Here’s my dad way back in the day with his brother Denny…
Dad’s the one on the left. Sharp. I’m named after him, but I was never quite as cool as he was in those days.
* My dad has this kind of annoying habit of falling in love with a song so much that he will listen to it all day and all night for weeks on end. At one point, a brother of mine made Dad a 90-minute cassette tape with just this one particular song playing over and over and over and over again. You did not want to be in Dad’s car when that tape was playing and I have avoided it ever since (the song, not the car). But it’s always been a funny story to tell and I decided to listen to it again today for the heck of it. This one’s for you, Daddy-O…
* As you are well aware, Gov. Pritzker has been taking massive heat from Republicans and even some Democrats and the news media over his appointments to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and what that PRB has done about prisoner releases. But he seems undeterred. From an appointments press release…
Carmen Terrones will serve as a Member of the Prisoner Review Board. Terrones is currently an Independent Consultant at Connecting Communities where she works to increase the potential of underserved communities by fostering empowerment and exposure to restorative justice principles and practices. Prior to this, Terrones served as a Senior Associate at Haywood Burns Institute in California, working primarily with their Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative Portfolio. Her work for the justice system began in Illinois as Terrones worked for both and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and the Cook County Juvenile Probation Department in several different capacities. Terrones serves her community as a board member for Restorative Justice Hubs, Corazón Community Services, Centrally Human, TecHive, the Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice- Adler University, and The Annie E. Casey Foundation Applied Leadership Network. She began her formal education in the field at Western Illinois University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Law Enforcement and continued on at Walden University in Minneapolis, where she earned a master’s of psychology.
That’s quite an impressive resume, but we’ll see what the Senate does.
* And they buried this person’s McLean County Board position in the release…
Matthew Coates will serve as a Member of the Prisoner Review Board. Coates recently begun his role as the Director of Communications at Bloomington Public School District 87. In this role, he develops and maintains informational communication in support of the district’s programs. Prior to this position, he was a Restorative School Specialist at Project Oz, a Clinical Coordinator of Youth Services, and a Comprehensive Community based Crisis Counselor at the Children’s Home Association of Illinois. Coates is currently a member on several boards including: Project Oz, McLean County, Illinois Collaboration of Youth Policy Committee, and Breaking Chains Advancing Increase School of Arts. In 2021, he earned a certificate in Leadership with Mclean County Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Peoria County Citizen’s Leadership Academy. His robust educational experience began at Illinois Central College where he earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences in 2008. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication at Illinois State University, graduating in 2011. Coates graduated top of his class at Bradley University, earning a master’s degree in Leadership in Nonprofit organizations.
He was a restorative school specialist for Project Oz between August 2018 and February, where he served as a “social-emotional support coach” for students and faculty at Bloomington High School through Project Oz’s Youth Empowered Schools program, according to his resume.
In his roughly five-minute pitch to executive committee members, Coates referred to his time assisting neighbors while growing up in Peoria, such as shoveling snow or playing with and helping neighborhood kids.
“Since I was a child, my upbringing consisted of watching my parent help people,” Coates said. “In various different ways, we were a pretty tight-knit community in my neighborhood growing up and that’s something that’s just — ‘That apple doesn’t usually fall too far (from the tree).’”
* As I told you late yesterday, Gov. Pritzker kicked in his second $500K installment to the Democratic Party of Illinois. And now this…
Hope they list that as an in-kind to Paul. /s
Also, it occurred to me that I haven’t done any “Shenanigans!” blog posts this cycle because every day brings at least one. Shenanigans is now our default mode, I suppose.
* Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) reported receiving $61K in campaign contributions on the same day her opponent was endorsed by the Tribune. Her primary opponent hasn’t reported any contributions in the last month and a half. Villanueva should renew her subscription.
* The other day, I had you rate a broadcast TV ad from Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) that tried to tie his opponent to Mike Madigan. This is a new rebuttal cable TV from Zalewski’s opponent Abdelnasser Rashid…
Mike Zalewski was a lobbyist for ComEd. Then Mike Madigan appointed him state representative and Zalewski voted to raise utility rates to record levels. This year? Zalewski introduced a law to raise the gas tax while we suffer at the pump. We can’t afford Mike Zalewski.
The corrupt Madigan Zalewski machine will say or do anything to win. Zalewski lies about Rashid having a Republican donor. The donor is actually a Democrat who gave to President Obama, Senator Durbin and Congressman Garcia. You just can’t trust Mike Zalewski.
A whole lot coming at you in that spot.
* As subscribers know, the Senate Democrats have funneled a ton of cash and other advantages to newly appointed Sen. Eric Mattson (D-Joliet) in his primary race against progressive Democrat Rachel Ventura…
Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Eric Mattson announced the endorsement of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
“Eric Mattson is prepared to be a voice for the people in Springfield,” said Senator Duckworth. “As a career firefighter, he’s served his community as a first responder, volunteer and union leader. Throughout the pandemic his leadership and dedication helped the members of his community get vaccinated, protecting themselves and others. Mattson is the public servant the people of the 43rd District deserve in Springfield.”
“I am grateful to have the support of Senator Duckworth,” said State Senator Eric Mattson. “As a veteran firefighter of 26 years, and am honored by the Senator’s service and sacrifice for this country, and I look forward to working with her to bring jobs and opportunities to the 43rd.”
* Remember this Greg Hinz piece about attorney general candidate Steve Kim’s ties to the Saudi Kingdom?…
In a phone interview, Kim said the sole function of Global Business Ventures was to link American firms to good international investments. Beyond that, he said he never received “any compensation” from the Saudi government, and that he left Global Business Ventures awhile ago—“maybe a year or two; I don’t remember”—and gave up his “very small” equity interest for free.
A spokesman later added that Kim’s major opponent in the June 28 Republican primary, downstate attorney Thomas DeVore, has not displayed the temperament voters should expect in an attorney general.
Steve Kim says he thinks I don’t have the temperament for the Attorney General office. It that the best he’s got. Lol!! It seems he believes fighting directly and indirectly to protect the rights of millions of kids, tens of thousands of small businesses and tens of thousands of public employees gives me a bad temperament. It seems he thinks spending thousands of hours over two years educating and empowering everyday citizens gives me a bad temperament. He’s right I have a street fighter temperament as that’s what it takes to fend off the tyranny of Pritzker and his minions. Mr. Kim is the same old, same old type of establishment politician that has already been rebuked by the people of Illinois in two failed statewide elections. He is tied at the hip to the Richard Irvin establishment RINO’s and there is zero chance he would ever take the fight to corruption and government overreach in this state. Him and Jimmy Boy Durkin are cut from the same cloth and Mr. Kim would be emboldened to the Republican establishment just ask Kwame is emboldened to the Democrat establishment.
It seems the reckless roadshow, snake oil salesman, grifter with a bad temperament is my new call sign. LOL
These people are ridiculous and have no idea how to save this state. If the people want more of the same, elect these RINO’s. If you want to create real change, you might consider electing patriot street fighters who will fight for your families when it’s not popular!!
There are 17,520 total hours in two calendar years. He must be quadruplets.
— Leading candidates in IL-03 gearing up for a close race: “This is a race that pits a sitting Chicago alderman against a sitting state representative from the city, each trying to balance their progressive credentials with the need to appeal to typically more conservative DuPage County voters out in the western part of the new district,” reports ABC 7’s Craig Wall.
— Sen. Dick Durbin has endorsed Nancy Shepherdson for 5th District State Central Committeewoman seat. Shepherdson is an incumbent (redistricted into the 5th) who’s in the race with state Rep. Margaret Croke — who’s endorsed by Gov. JB Pritzker — and MWD’s [sic] Mariyana Spyropoulos
— Bernie’s back: Sen. Bernie Sanders hosts a “Get Out the Vote” rally Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in Humboldt Park. Sanders, who endorsed Delia Ramirez for the IL-03 race, is in Chicago for the annual “Labor Notes” conference that brings together workplace organizers and union representatives from across the country. … Sun-Times has more here. … The “Get Out the Vote” rally is free but RSVPs encouraged here.
— Richard Uihlein and Elizabeth Uihlein have each donated $2,900 to Catalina Lauf’s bid for Congress in the IL-11 Republican primary. […]
— Precious Brady-Davis, candidate for commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, is out with a new video. If she wins she’d be the first trans woman of color to be elected in Illinois. The ad’s tag line, “nothing is more precious than water.”
That Precious Brady-Davis video is pretty well-done.
* CD3…
Today, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) is endorsing State Representative Delia Ramirez for Congress in Illinois’ 3rd District.
Delia Ramirez is running for an open seat in the newly-drawn district, which now covers Chicago’s Northwest Side and suburbs. It contains a Latino plurality and is strongly Democratic.
Polling shows Delia Ramirez is the frontrunner in four-way primary, where she leads 19% to 11% over Chicago Alderman Gilbert Villegas. In addition to the PCCC, Ramirez has been endorsed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Working Families Party, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC. If elected, she would be the first Latina in Congress from the Midwest.
“Delia Ramirez doesn’t just wage uphill battles against establishment lawmakers—she wins meaningful change for the people,” the PCCC said in an email to its membership. “Delia Ramirez leads on issues that are central to the working families she represents, like lowering prescription drug prices and fighting for a $15 minimum wage. Instead of taking corporate PAC money, she has pushed to end the revolving door between lawmakers and lobbyists. This is the kind of transformative leadership we need in Congress.”
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which is building grassroots power across our country to pass Medicare for All, Paid Family Leave, and the expansion of Social Security so that everyone in our country can have the care that they need when they need it,” said Delia Ramirez (IL-03). “I look forward to working with them to continue to charge the path for bold progressive policies in Congress.”
The daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Delia Ramirez’s focus on bold, transformative solutions to homelessness and poverty is inspired by her childhood experience volunteering at a soup kitchen. As a nonprofit executive, community organizer, and Illinois state legislator, she has consistently prioritized housing insecurity. Delia Ramirez passed the COVID-19 Emergency Housing Act to protect renters from eviction and homeowners from foreclosure, and secured funding for a tenant and landlord pandemic relief fund.
The PCCC has raised over $35 million for progressive candidates and committees this past decade. The PCCC will fundraise for Delia Ramirez from its nearly-million members nationally and will recruit volunteers and local endorsements from its 15,000 Illinois members.
In 2007, Chicago officials and civic leaders had an idea: to create a nonprofit organization that would bring Olympic sports to the city’s youth, promote Chicago as an international sporting metropolis and, in turn, boost the city’s chances of securing the 2016 Olympic bid.
When Chicago infamously lost its bid for the games, backers of World Sport Chicago insisted the nonprofit would still carry on a legacy — bringing sports and the “ideals of the Olympic movement” to underserved youth.
In 2015, Kambium Buckner — current Chicago mayoral candidate, state representative and former employee with the Chicago Cubs — took over the nonprofit, and promised to use WSC to give kids in “forgotten pockets” of the city “opportunities and chances to succeed and to survive.”
But a WBEZ analysis shows that, while Buckner carried out that mission for several years, World Sport Chicago slowly dissolved, its finances diminished and money spent on programming for kids decreased during his tenure. This all came as documents show Buckner’s salary nearly tripled, from $137,352 to $364,159 in just four years, before the organization was “involuntarily dissolved” by the state last year.
Buckner is among seven others vying for the 2023 mayoral seat. He announced his campaign in May with a “four star” plan that includes “safety and justice,” improved education, economic recovery — as well as stabilizing the city’s long-troubled finances. In his campaign literature, he has touted his time at World Sport Chicago, saying he brought sports to 70,000 students.
* CD14…
Senator Sue Rezin (SD38), a leading conservative voice in Illinois’ legislature, endorses Kendall County Board Chairman, Scott R. Gryder, frontrunner for nomination of the Republican Party to challenge Lauren Underwood for Illinois’ 14th Congressional District.
Calling Gryder the candidate “best equipped to take on Lauren Underwood in November,” Senator Rezin highlighted Scott’s “proven track record of strong leadership and sound fiscal policy.”
Contrasting Underwood’s “far left, progressive ideologies,” Rezin believes Gryder will “bring his common-sense conservatism to Washington, D.C. and will focus on stopping wasteful spending, protecting patients’ rights, standing up for our veterans, and securing our borders.”
Upon receiving the endorsement of Senator Rezin, Gryder released the following statement:
“My campaign for Illinois’ 14th District is being waged on behalf of the hard-working families struggling under the policies and failures of leadership exhibited by Lauren Underwood and her allies in Washington, Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi. It’s time for a change, and I am honored that Senator Sue Rezin, a conservative leader we know and trust believes my pro-growth, pro-family, pro-freedom approach is the right choice for our district and our future. I thank Senator Rezin for her friendship, her confidence in my leadership, and her support as I prepare to take on Lauren Underwood.”
* How’s he gonna withhold the salaries of state’s attorneys?…
That was sent to a Downstate D3 voter, by the way.
…Adding… [I’ve pulled this release down for now.]
*** UPDATE *** I had quickly posted a press release and then thought about it and quickly took it down. The release was from the Kari Steele campaign claiming “At least two of Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s senior officials have broken the law on the County’s residency requirements for employees, which mandates that employees live in Cook County.” This is from the assessor’s office Chief Legal Officer Tatia Gibbons…
The courts have ruled that the law cited here is unenforceable against the majority of county employees. In order to treat all employees similarly, the Assessor chose to adopt the same approach for all employees. This decision was made by the Assessor after consulting with the County Independent Inspector General to ensure that this was an appropriate course of action.
* First, take a look at this ad for judicial candidates Howard Brookins and Tom Nowinski…
Not bad.
* Now, I don’t usually post low-level circuit court ads, but the pitch was interesting. As you probably know, early voting turnout, in Cook County at least, is in the absolute tank right now. This person’s pitch was that the voting population will be heavily skewed to older Democrats, who tend to vote no matter wha, and that’s who they’re targeting here with their broadcast buy. And, because the primary is so late, TV ad rates have dropped for the summer. Here’s the pitch, slightly edited by me with updated information and a deletion of a bad word…
A real broadcast TV buy - 390 gross ratings points for 55 and older. That age group will be at least half the Dem primary electorate.
The money total is at least $150,000 (trying to add more, but that much has been wired). The buy starts this weekend.
Here’s why, I think, it’s an interesting story.
Normally these judges have so few options running countywide and reaching a half a million voters or more. But this year is different because the TV sweeps period is over and rates are cheaper. Admittedly, there are less eyeballs around because it’s summer, but we are about to have our first primary in June in our history. Turnout could be [very] low and if it is, those are older people, more likely to be Black, and less likely to be jet-setting out of town. So, they’ll catch daytime TV and some news.
Howard and Tom teaming up like this gets a lower cost to each candidate, but also something kind of memorable. This ad stands out in the crowd and it also repeats their names four times with “Democrats” on the screen the whole time.
So, something like this never happens but for the fact that our primary was moved. It’s rate the ad and rate the strategy.
You can feel free to rate both the ad and the strategy, and/or talk about what you think turnout will be and who will vote and what that could mean.
* Let’s circle back to Gov. Pritzker’s one-hour Q&A during yesterday’s Crain’s Fast 50 Business Luncheon. The moderator was referring here to policies like abortion rights…
Q: You’ve been a pretty staunch advocate that you think Illinois is on the right side of these policies. And that that’s actually a net benefit to us in attracting people and companies. But you’ve also got things like Caterpillar moving its headquarters down to Texas, which, you know, is moving in the opposite direction. And people really ask the question when it comes to economic development, when it comes to headquarters moves, is the bottom line wins over everything? Do you still think that those policies, you know, pay off for us economically?
Pritzker: Well, let me remind you that, just like with population, you have some people that leave a state, other people that come to a state. You’re looking for a net positive. And that’s what we’ve had with our population growth. The same thing is true about job growth, the availability of jobs. We’re going to have ebbs and flows of business and companies.
But the goal here is to make sure that we’re attracting people and businesses. The policies that you’re referring to, I’m not suggesting that these are economic development policies, but fighting for a woman’s right to choose, fighting for LGBTQ rights, fighting for individual rights and civil rights. I mean, these are fundamental beliefs of mine. I think this is what the people of Illinois believe in as well. That’s why I’m fighting for them.
Do they - this is the question that I answered in a Chicago Tribune interview - Do they also help us attract people and businesses? Yes, they do. That the very people who are coming into the high-growth businesses that we’re stoking the fires of in Illinois, biotechnology, technology, I’ve talked about some of them today. The people that are looking for those kinds of high-talent jobs, these are people who don’t want to live in Texas because they’ve taken away a woman’s right to choose. They don’t want to live in Missouri, they don’t want to live in Oklahoma, they don’t want to live in Florida, where they’re taking away people’s rights. And so they’re going to their companies in Texas and Florida and elsewhere and they’re saying to their bosses, ‘What do I do when I need to go exercise my reproductive health,’ for example.
Now, companies sometimes are creating programs, ‘We’ll fly you out of state’ - you may have read about this - ‘to help you get the rights that you deserve, right to get the treatment that you need.’ But eventually, you’ve got to, you know, you want to put your business where not only your employees are satisfied with and happy with the environment they’re living in, but also where you’ve got a bunch of highly talented workers already pre-existing.
That’s what Illinois is, right? We’re a state that stands up for people’s rights. And we’ve got a bunch of highly talented workers. So yeah, I do think in the long run it benefits the state of Illinois.
Does it happen overnight? Like everything, right, creating one tax incentive or creating a benefit for individuals and protecting people’s rights. That’s something that seeps into the groundwater, in my view, for workers and for companies.
And eventually, and I can say this about the film industry, we just announced about an hour or two ago, that Illinois now has had a record amount of revenue produced as a result of film and television and advertising investment that’s been made in the state of Illinois. So, you know, more than ever before, we’re having people come here. One of the reasons for that, and I hear this from producers, is because their talent wants to be in Illinois. They don’t want to be in Georgia, where they’re taking away people’s voting rights and their LGBTQ rights and their reproductive rights. They don’t want to be in those places. They do want to be here. And that’s just a kind of leading indicator, if you ask me.
Q: They’re also very big fans of incentives, as I recall, right?
Pritzker: And we have a competitive incentive here with other states. So yeah, I mean, look, I get it, I was a businessman before I was governor. I get it, people want incentives. But it is, what I am hearing is good. We’re competitive in our incentives. And so that’s a reason for people to consider here. But the thing that really confirms it for them is that the people who are working for them are here, want to be in Illinois while they’re making these productions, and that we have the talent. DePaul is producing talent. We’ve got Cinespace and other studios that have been created in Illinois. We’re a great environment for that industry. And again, it’s the highest it’s a record amount of revenue that’s been created as a result of our … film and TV tax [credit].
A strike by the workers who produce gravel and other essential materials for roadwork is raising concerns it could hamstring a crucial construction season.
About 300 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 hit the picket lines June 7 at 35 Chicago-area facilities owned by Lehigh Hanson, Vulcan Materials Co. and Holcim, union officials said.
The labor action is causing shortages in vital supplies and already impinging on some road projects at what is typically the busiest time of the year, industry experts explained. […]
Local 150 representatives said a lack of building materials had caused work on a I-90 project near the Jane Byrne Interchange scheduled for Friday to be postponed.
* From Barry N. Voorn, Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete Inc. General Counsel…
You may have received a letter from Operating Engineers, Local 150 stating that they have a primary labor dispute with Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. based on what Local 150 claims are unfair labor practice charges by Ozinga. I wanted to give you a history of this matter and to let you know that Local 150’s claims are baseless and how we plan to handle this matter going forward.
As you may be aware, Local 150 has been on strike against the Chicago Area Aggregates Producers Association (”CAAPA”) since June 7th. CMPA is made up of Vulcan, Lafarge Holcim and Lehigh Hanson. Once the strike started Local 150 began picketing CAAPA members at most if not all of their locations. At some of these against sites, Ozinga has operations on property of Vulcan and Lafarge Holcim that the Company leases and we set up a set up neutral gates at our entrances at these sites. Local 150 ignored the gate system that Ozinga put in place and picketed our operations in South Elgin, McCook and Marengo despite the fact that we had established a neutral gate.
Based on this action, Ozinga filed unfair labor practice charges against Local 150 alleging that their pickets were unlawful. The Company took picture of the picketers who were open about their pickets at the McCook site. Based on this action, Local 150 filed charges against Ozinga for what they claim is “surveillance.”
We believe that the unfair labor practice charges filed by Local 150 are without merit and that they have filed these charges to attempt to bring further pressure on their CMPA negotiations and in retaliation for Ozinga filing Charges against them. We believe that any picketing or threats to picket are unlawful and further violate the National Labor Relations Act and we will be filing additional charges as well as a potential lawsuit under Section 303 of the Labor Management Relations Act for any damages.
Local 150 violates the National Labor Relations Act if it threatens to picket your Company to force you to cease doing business with Ozinga or if it makes other threats or acts in a coercive manner toward your Company with an object of stopping you from doing business with Ozinga. Local 150 also violates the law if they cause your employees to strike or refuse to perform work in order to force your Company not to do business with Ozinga. This can subject Local 150 to monetary damages for your Company as well as Ozinga.
If any business agent of Local 150 threatens your Company with a strike or picket or engages in such activity to try to stop you from doing business with Ozinga, such actions may violate the National Labor Relations Act as well as Section 303 of the Labor Management Relations Act which may entitle your Company to collect damages from Local 150. If Local 150 or its agents engage in such activities, I would appreciate talking to you about any such actions. Thank you for your consideration and please do not hesitate to call me with any questions.
* I asked Local 150 for a response…
Ozinga is a customer of Vulcan, and therefore is prohibited from using a neutral gate by Vulcan’s own rules (attached). By using it, Ozinga taints that gate and makes it a legitimate site for picketing. This is fairly simple, and has been law for more than 60 years.
When Ozinga prepared unfair labor practice charges against Local 150, they sent those charges to the Teamsters they employ more than 12 hours before they sent them to Local 150. It appears that these charges were filed for little reason other than to intimidate the Teamsters from honoring the strike. This opens Ozinga to potential lawsuits.
We filed unfair labor practice charges against Ozinga for unlawfully surveilling a picket line without a legitimate purpose. For an employer to surveil a picket line, here has to be a reason other than legitimate section 7 protected activity, like violence, blocking, etc. None of these things have occurred on picket lines, and so there was no basis to surveil these employees.
While we have filed unfair labor practice charges against Ozinga, we are not currently on strike against it. We have reached out to managers and supervisors notifying them of the charges we filed against Ozinga, which is completely legal.
Ozinga’s letter is an effort to bully smaller employers and frighten us with damage lawsuits.
Ivan Claudio Gonzalez, 40, of Chicago, IL, passed away on June 14, 2022. Ivan has been a policy and political consultant for the past 18 years in the State of Illinois. Since 2016, Ivan served as the Chief of Staff to Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino, where he managed day-to-day operations of the senate district office, legislative agenda, and community relations for the senator. Ivan was widely loved by his family and friends for his kindness, generosity and infectious laugh. He was known for having a positive impact on the lives of many who crossed his path.
He is survived by his father Mario Gonzalez, his mother Rosa Gonzalez, his sister Vanessa, his brother-in-law John Velez, and his nieces Liliana and Daniela Velez.
Memorial visitation will be held Friday, June 17th, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a service at 6:00 pm to watch the livestream via Zoom click here at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home 6150 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646. For information 773-736-3833
I was just out with Ivan a few weeks ago in Chicago. He was such a fun, hard-working guy and those who knew him are devastated by his unexpected passing.
His passing has left a massive void in all of us. He was widely loved by his friends and family. His humor and kindness brought joy to every room he walked in. No matter the challenge - Ivan was always there to lend a hand. He was a caring soul who lived life to the fullest. We are very saddened by his passing and have set up this GoFund Me to provide some financial support to his family in this difficult time. We hope you find it in your heart to donate, for the many times Ivan made you laugh.
* GOP purity test in DuPage County? Republican candidates for County Board chair question each other’s Democratic ties: If elected to the top job, [Hart] said, he wants to keep taxes flat, make it easier for companies owned by women, minorities and veterans to do business with the county and ensure the sheriff and state’s attorney get what they need to combat rising crime. DiCianni, 55, is a former mayor of Elmhurst who has helped to get several state laws passed, including a measure that requires insurers to cover autism treatment and one that allows police to track cognitively impaired people through GPS wristbands if they go missing.
* Daily Herald Endorsement: Hart for DuPage County Board chairman: Hart also took on a significant role in dealing with the opioid crisis in DuPage. He is the co-chairman of the Heroin/Opioid Prevention and Education Taskforce. The joint operation of the county board and board of health recommends policies, initiatives and programs to battle the opioid epidemic.
* GOP rivals for DuPage County Board chair trade barbs in high-stakes primary: If elected, Hart pledged to meet individually with every board member, regardless of their political affiliation, to understand their priorities. Hart said he can apply his expertise in management consulting — bringing together “diverse stakeholders that often don’t disagree” — to the chairman’s job. … During his mayoral tenure, the city’s credit rating was upgraded and Elmhurst Hospital was rebuilt. DiCianni won his county board seat in 2012. “It’s about who can lead, who’s put the time in and who’s got the credibility to bring these relationships that have been forged over years to the table to bring the county to the next level,” he said. DiCianni, who touts a list of municipal backers, aims to unify mayors in DuPage, a group that’s “always been divided.”
Brett Nicklaus, a certified financial planner from Dixon, and incumbent Win Stoller, who lives in Germantown Hills, go head to head in the Republican primary for this newly redrawn district, for which no Democratic candidate has been slated. The 37th District now includes parts of DeKalb, Whiteside, Ogle and Lee counties. […]
Stoller, a CPA with an accounting degree and a former auditor with Price Waterhouse, points to his financial acumen as a way to put the state on a more solid financial track, even in times when federal money is not there to help. He said he does not intend to campaign negatively. And he told us he intends to “work both sides of the aisle, in a bipartisan way, to get things done and help small businesses.”
Taking him at his word on that, and noting his broad experience, Stoller has our endorsement.
Maybe the Tribune shouldn’t have taken him at his word. He definitely has a huge amount of quite impressive experience, but Sen. Stoller’s CPA license expired 13 years ago.
And I’m thinking this may not have been a misquote or misunderstanding. Sen. Stoller has claimed more than once that he is a CPA.
Fraudsters stole more than half the money paid out by the state from a special pandemic unemployment fund, pilfering nearly $2 billion in federal money that was supposed to help out-of-work Illinoisans, according to a state audit released Thursday.
The audit offers the first estimate for Illinois’ share of the mammoth fraud that swept the country during the pandemic as states were hit with a deluge of unemployment claims. The audit covers much of the period the program was in use, from July 2020 through June 2021. […]
“The fraudsters illicitly got federal money — not state — because the Trump administration designed a uniquely flawed system,” the agency said.
But a Tribune investigation published a year ago found the problems in Illinois were exacerbated by IDES’ failure to follow federal recommendations to adopt free fraud-fighting tools made available before the pandemic, while also being slow in developing other processes to ferret out fraud.
The audit didn’t review those failures, let alone determine how much they may have boosted the fraud tab. But the audit found that, of the $3.6 billion in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance paid out from July 2020 through June 2021, nearly $1.9 billion was tied to fraud, the vast majority in the form of identity theft.
CBS 2 asked the Illinois Auditor General if the issues it found with the PUA system in Illinois could be preventing IDES from figuring out how much money was lost to fraud.
“While we cannot speak with any certainty to the cause of the Department’s challenges regarding calculating the extent of fraud, it is our opinion that the inability of the Department to provide complete and accurate PUA claimant data to our auditors indicates that it would be very difficult to calculate, with any certainty, the extent of fraud in the PUA system,” the auditor general’s office said.
* Leader McConchie…
Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie issued the below statement following the release of the Auditor General’s June 16 audit of the Illinois Department of Employment Security:
“This report is just further evidence of the mismanagement within IDES that has been so clearly evident throughout the pandemic.
“Governor Pritzker had a responsibility to the people he put out of work. While thousands were waiting for a dysfunctional and chaotic system to issue them the benefits they were owed, fraud was running rampant throughout the system leaving hundreds of thousands of residents victimized by fraudulent claims.
“The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was so poorly run that the Auditor General’s office couldn’t even conduct a proper audit to determine the amount of fraud that occurred. The saddest thing is, Illinoisans are on the hook for this disaster.
“Had Pritzker prioritized the issue and not been so focused on arbitrarily shutting down businesses and then criminalizing them for noncompliance of his mandates, these problems could have been mitigated.”
* Governor’s office…
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, every state in the nation was plagued by fraudulent attacks on their unemployment system by organized criminals, with recent federal estimates claiming at least $163 billion in national unemployment fraud. The federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, that is the subject of this audit, was the epicenter for this fraud. The fraudsters illicitly got federal money – not state – because the Trump administration designed a uniquely flawed system.
Since the Trump administration launched the PUA program in Spring 2020, IDES has sounded the alarm over insufficient and flawed federal guidance. This included the Trump administration stripping IDES of its best tools to stop fraud, such as requiring income or employment verification before paying out claims.
The PUA program is 100% federally funded and the findings highlighted in the audit do not impact the state’s UI Trust Fund. The system used to manage the PUA program is independent of the system used to manage regular UI benefits that are funded under state law. From the start of the pandemic through the end of 2021, IDES stopped roughly $40 billion in fraudulent payments across state and federal programs. IDES has saved tens of billions in government funds through enhanced integrity measures, including implementing new login software that utilizes security industry best practices and launching new data analysis tools to verify applicant identities and claims.
Background:
• As the audit itself notes, ‘Unlike in regular UI, the PUA program does not provide for a database of earnings and wages to support the program, and consequently, there are unique and pervasive opportunities for fraud within PUA.’
• Federal watchdog reports and information from other states emphasize that UI fraud was concentrated in the PUA program due to poor federal guidance.
• As the GAO timeline shows below, the program was changed hastily and repeatedly to respond to states’ concerns. Numerous recent federal reports describe at the length the poor guidance from the previous federal administration. See the following:
- Testimony of Larry D. Turner, Inspector General, USDOL: Pandemic Response and Accountability: Reducing Fraud and Expanding Access to COVID-19 Relief through Effective Oversight
- USDOL OIG: OIG Oversight of the Unemployment Insurance Program
- Government Accountability Office: Pandemic Programs Posed Challenges, and DOL Could Better Address Customer Service and Emergency Planning
- Government Accountability Office: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Federal Program Supported Contingent Workers amid Historic Demand, but DOL Should Examine Racial Disparities in Benefit Receipt
Furthermore, evidence shows that UI fraud in other states was also predominantly concentrated in the PUA program – often at a scale larger than what was seen in Illinois. For example:
- California shared it lost at least $20 billion to fraud. California estimated that 95% of confirmed fraudulent payments were associated with PUA. (EDD, AP)
- Michigan lost roughly $2.8 billion to “imposter” fraud, and $5.7 billion to “misrepresentation” fraud. Of the dollars lost to fraud, 97% came from federal programs. (UIA Audit; NPR)
- Pennsylvania lost $6 billion to fraud. 94% of those dollars were from federal programs. (CBS Pittsburgh; WFMZ)
- A small number of additional states have released estimated fraud totals, such as Arizona ($4.4 billion, September 2021), Florida ($1.9 billion, July 2021), Texas ($2.5 billion, November 2021), and Kansas ($700 million, August 2021). The USDOL Office of the Inspector General estimates that at least $163 billion in pandemic UI benefits could have been paid improperly across all states.
* Actually, the story is from yesterday, but I didn’t get to it. Here’s Jennifer Smith Richards, Chicago Tribune, and Jodi S. Cohen, ProPublica…
From the moment Amara Harris was accused of stealing another student’s AirPods at Naperville North High School, she has insisted that it was a mix-up, not a theft.
She told a school dean that she thought the AirPods were her own, having picked them up a few days earlier in the school’s learning commons, where she said she thought she had left her own set. Her mother repeatedly told officers that her daughter hadn’t stolen the wireless earbuds, records show.
Still, the school resource officer wrote Amara a ticket in 2019 for violating a municipal ordinance against theft. Paying a fine would have made the matter go away, but Amara says she won’t admit to something she didn’t do. For two and a half years, she has repeatedly gone to court to assert her innocence, even delaying her plans to attend on-campus classes at her dream school, Spelman College.
Now, in a rare and dramatic example of the impact of school ticketing, the case is headed for a jury trial, with the next court date on Tuesday. As Naperville continues to prosecute the case, Amara and her mother have racked up far more in legal bills than the city’s highest fine would have cost them.
“I am innocent. I am fighting because I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” said Amara, now 19. “Why would I say I’m innocent to everyone but then I lie in court and say I’m guilty? It doesn’t make sense to me.”
This spring, in the investigation “The Price Kids Pay,” ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune exposed the widespread practice of school officials and local police working together to ticket Illinois students for misbehavior at school, resulting in fines that can cost hundreds of dollars. Reporters documented about 12,000 tickets issued for possession of vaping devices and cannabis, disorderly conduct, truancy and other violations from August 2018 through June 2021.
Ticketing students for their behavior in school skirts a state law that bans schools from disciplining students with monetary fines. Immediately after the report was published, state officials including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the state schools superintendent said they intended to put a stop to the practice.
The superintendent, Carmen Ayala, chided schools for outsourcing discipline to police and urged them to stop. The Illinois attorney general’s office, concerned that school ticketing was violating the civil rights of students of color, launched an investigation into a large suburban high school district and said it might investigate others.
But none of the state officials addressed how to deal with pending cases of students who, like Amara, had already been ticketed.
“The governor says he wants this to stop, he wants this to end,” said Amara’s mother, Marla Baker. “We are in the middle of it.”
Amara’s family, like so many others, was thrown into a system that uses a lower standard of proof than a criminal court. People ticketed for ordinance violations can be held responsible if the allegation is deemed more likely to be true than not, and the ticket itself is considered evidence. At every turn, the system and the officials in it encourage families to admit liability and pay a fine. And most do.
* Click here to see the sign-up page. Mendon is about 16 miles from Quincy. That’s where the fairgrounds are.
Looks like it’s really happening, campers. Buckle up!
*** UPDATE 1 *** Rodney Davis campaign…
Rodney Davis, Republican candidate for Congress in the 15th District, released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced a campaign rally to be held in Adams County on Saturday, June 25:
“I’m proud of my conservative record of working with Trump when he was in office, and I won’t shy away from it. I’m focused on winning this campaign, firing Nancy Pelosi, and re-implementing the many policy successes we had when Trump was president, like building the wall, cutting taxes, and making America energy independent again.
“As the future Chairman of House Administration, I will also be focused on investigating the security failures leading up to January 6, finding out if Speaker Pelosi had a role in those failures, and holding her sham Select Committee circus accountable.
“I would hope President Trump and Republican voters are aware of the baggage Mary Miller has, including a convicted pedophile serving as her personal driver, her rhetoric encouraging illegal immigration, her vote with the Socialist Squad to defund the military, and her close ties to an anti-Trump Super PAC. Time and again, Mary Miller has put America last in Congress.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Not a huge surprise considering the personal ties between Irvin’s campaign staff and Rodney…
Ken Griffin, the billionaire Citadel CEO and Republican megadonor, gave $1.5 million as sole donor to Illinois Values PAC that's spent ~$1.5 million opposing Rep. Mary Miller (R) in June 28 primary vs Rep. Rodney Davis (R): https://t.co/IQf8nYXjP9#il15#twill
A complaint was filed with our office on April 26th containing various allegations against you arising out of your position as a State Senator. I have reviewed the complaint and evidence obtained from a detailed and thorough investigation conducted by all members of the Office of the Legislative Inspector General.
The investigation included witness interviews in Chicago with the signatory complainant Jan Czarnik, who did not prepare the allegations in the complaint. Also interviewed was Kathyrn “Kitty” Kurth who prepared all of the allegations and documents in the complaint. Finally, this office interviewed you, Senator Melinda Bush and you provided this office with voluminous bank records and legal documents to refute the allegations of the complaint.
After thorough investigation by my office, I have concluded that the allegations of misconduct and violations of law described in the complaint are factually unsupported and therefore unfounded.
Because the complaint in this case waived confidentiality when it was filed, and because Kathyrn Kurth released the complaint to the press on the day it was filed, I believe further comments by me are appropriate. The waiver of confidentiality at the time of filing the complaint combined with a press release on the same day was not an accident. Such conduct appears to have been an attempt to politically weaponize the filing of the complaint as a political action in advance of a proper investigation by this office.
Moreover, by publishing and politicizing the complaint in advance of a proper investigation by this office, I find such conduct to be unfair to the accused, Senator Melinda Bush. That is especially true when in this case, the allegations made in the complaint tum out to be factually unsupported and unfounded.
Because the allegations of the complaint lack evidentiary support, this file will be closed without further action.
Current law prohibits the Office of the Legislative Inspector General from publicly disclosing the results of a complaint deemed unfounded, Nor will any public comment be isssued from this office as a result of my findings closing the investigation. A copy of this letter will be emailed to the complainants as well.
Sincerely,
Michael P. McCuskey
Illinois Legislative Inspector General
Yep. That Sam Yingling crowd really ought to be ashamed of themselves for this. But there’s no chance of that. Sheesh.
…Adding… In a previous life, Emily Miller did some PR work for Rep. Yingling. So she knows whereof she speaks…
Writing & filing a fantasy IG complaint to satiate your need to vilify a retiring senator for your own political gain is very stupid, and it’s a waste of taxpayer money. IGs are important, and I’m glad this IG was clear about how inappropriate this was. https://t.co/Oi5mDjS6MC
* This excerpt is from one of the most difficult columns I ever wrote because I had to try to understand and then explain something that often defies both. From 2019…
Some of the finest minds in the state recently explained to me the importance of a mostly unnoticed line in the state of Illinois’ new capital projects plan.
University of Chicago President Robert Zimmer, Argonne National Laboratory Director Paul Kearns and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Provost Andreas Cangellaris touted new state government funding for a program that could be “even bigger than supercomputing” (Zimmer) and a “paradigm shift” in technology (Cangellaris).
What is this marvel? Quantum physics. It’s the study of subatomic particles that don’t behave in the way we understand “normal” physics. The particles do things like exist in two places simultaneously, move through what we would consider solid objects and change their form when observed. Google it. It’ll blow your mind.
The idea is to try to harness these tiny particles to do stuff like create vastly improved computing systems or design totally new types of pharmaceuticals or unbreakable encryption.
* Gov. Pritzker sat down for a one-hour Q&A today during the Crain’s Fast 50 Business Luncheon in Chicago, and he told the interviewer that he wanted to talk about quantum…
Q: Why are you so bullish on quantum and Illinois?
A: Well, I think all of you know that we have some of the best institutions of higher learning in our state. These are research institutions, the University of Illinois, University of Chicago, Northwestern, and others. And that is recognized by the rest of the nation. University of Chicago, in particular has the Chicago Quantum Exchange. And, you know, just to back up, quantum is going to change everything about our lives, and it’s going to change everything about our businesses. And if we don’t lead in the world, forget about just Illinois, if the United States doesn’t lead in quantum in the world, we will no longer be a superpower. And that could happen in relatively short order.
So the federal government understands that and is putting money into Quantum. And a couple of years ago, the federal government had major Department of Energy grants that they were offering to those who would bid on them, who could really make major leaps forward in quantum computing, quantum development. So Illinois, University of Chicago, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois with a $200 million grant, put together a consortium to go after those grants. And you know, what, Illinois won more of those grants than any other state. That’s really a big deal. That is something that I hope people will pay more and more attention to, because our major universities and research institutions, don’t forget, we have Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi lab, all of them involved in this, you know, all the things that you see in a documentary, or if you’re around for it, you know, that happened in Silicon Valley, with silicon chips, is happening in Illinois now with the development of quantum. And so if we keep investing in it, we keep stoking those fires, really, we’re going to lead the nation in Illinois, and we’re going to lead our nation to success in the world. So long term, but
Q: It’s a long-term bet, but how long does it take to see tangible results from that? Is that something that’s going to happen over 15, 20, 25 years or sooner?
Pritzker: Well, let’s say we’re going to have 50 years of success. As a result, if we succeed, that we’ll have 50 years of major economic success for our state, our city. In the short run, we’ve already attracted a whole bunch of very talented scientists, and people who want to commercialize the development of the technology that’s coming out of the laboratories. So that’s already happening. We have people moving here to our labs, to the Chicago Quantum Exchange, to our universities to be part of this burgeoning industry and research. And so that’s already a success.
But if you’re asking the question like, ‘Gee, when are you going to be able to announce the 10,000 jobs?’ you know, I want to just make it clear that I get it that I’m only in this job for so long, right. But that Illinois is going to be here forever. And that my job as governor is to make the kinds of investments that will give us the best possible future 10 and 20 and 30 years, long after I’m governor. So I’ve done that. I mean our $45 billion infrastructure bill, investing in our roads and bridges and airports, and, you know, all of our infrastructure, building new buildings, including new university labs and so on. That’s not about the next two years or three years, that’s about the next 20 years.
A new law spearheaded by state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, will strengthen consent laws, hold rapists accountable and provide justice for survivors of sexual assault.
“This law will close a loophole in our system that was allowing offenders to avoid prosecution by unfairly shifting blame on the survivors,” Walker said. “If someone becomes intoxicated by their own hand, in absolutely no way does that excuse criminal behavior directed toward them.”
Walker’s House Bill 5441 adds language to the state’s definition of “unable to give knowing consent” by specifying that one cannot give consent if they are too intoxicated due to voluntary consumption of drugs or alcohol. Before Walker’s proposal, Illinois statute only indicated that one is unable to give consent if the rapist administers drugs or alcohol that would cause the victim to become unconscious and the offender was reasonably aware of their condition.
“The existing system underscored a stigma in society that suggests that victims deserve to be blamed or are somehow responsible for sexual assault,” Walker said. “Today we’re standing with survivors. I am deeply thankful for the advocates and survivors who came forward to make today a reality. There’s still much more work to do, but today was an important step in the right direction.”
* Governor’s office…
Today Governor JB Pritzker signed two bills aimed at making medical and legal care for victims of sexual assault broader and more accessible. HB5441 amends Illinois Criminal Code to specify that someone is unable to give consent when intoxicated, even when the accused assaulter didn’t provide the substance that intoxicated them. SB3023 expands where survivors can access treatment and for how long, as well as requiring Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide medical forensic services by trained professionals.
“We cannot have a justice system that re-traumatizes those forced to utilize it,” said Governor Pritzker. “To survivors in our state: there are no words to lessen the unimaginable trauma and pain you’ve been through. I want you to know that your Governor hears you. When you speak out, our systems will respond. It is our responsibility to give you the autonomy and justice that you deserve.”
“Compassionate policy making is good government and values people and their wellbeing by putting resources and services in place that matter,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This legislation does that, by ensuring that there are avenues of crucial support for survivors of sexual assault seeking the justice and healing they deserve.”
The expanded definition of consent outlined under HB5441 provides that the accused abuser knew or reasonably should have known the victim was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, among others, advocated for this change to provide a clearer path for prosecution against perpetrators of sexual assault on impaired victims. Many sexual assault cases are thrown out due to negative perceptions around voluntary drinking or drug use, preventing victims from seeking justice against their attacker.
The issue was brought to State Rep. Mark Walker’s (D-Chicago) attention by Kaylyn Ahn, an 18-year-old who suffered a sexual assault while inebriated and was told the case likely would not be prosecuted for that reason. Walker, whose office Ahn had previously worked in, sponsored the legislation after hearing her story. Ahn testified in front on legislators in Springfield in support of the bill.
The amendments to the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) outlined in SB3023 are the result of recommendations made by the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Implementation Task Force, a group formed to examine the healthcare needs of sexual assault survivors and determine necessary policy changes. SASETA governs the health care that hospitals, and now qualified health centers, are required to provide victims to of sexual assault.
This new legislation allows survivors to access care under the act for 180 days, doubling the time window and extending access to those unable to receive care in the first few months after an incident. SB3203 guarantees that a victim seeking medical treatment will have access to a trained medical forensic examiner, as well as other medical staff specifically trained to best care for victims of sexual assault. Trauma-informed sexual assault treatment is important to prevent further distress for the victim, which can deter victims from reporting an assault or pursuing or continuing treatment. Training is also key to give providers the skills to collect potential evidence without contamination or destruction of that evidence.
The bill also allows victims to decline to bill their health insurance provider for the cost of emergency care if they themselves are not the primary policy holder. This allows those seeking treatment after abuse from partners or family members who share in their insurance policy to maintain confidentiality and avoid additional danger.
Governor Pritzker has spearheaded several other initiatives to protect survivors of sexual violence during his time in office. Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker announced that after decades of extensive sexual assault forensic backlogs, the number of pending sexual assault forensic assignments older than 180 days reached zero. Governor Pritzker also recently signed nation-leading legislation expanding protections for victims of sexual violence in Illinois National Guard.
“I am telling my story because my pain is not an individual loss but a systemic failure of a legal system that has time and again failed to protect us,” Kaylyn Ahn said. “No matter what you were wearing, what you were drinking, or whether you were in a relationship with them, rape is never your fault. In signing this bill, we are listening to the power of survivors.”
“There are still too many in our society who find ways to blame the victim as somehow responsible for sexual assault,” State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Chicago) said. “This has to stop. Anyone who would assault a person unable to give consent is a rapist and should be held entirely responsible. Our laws should ensure a survivor can seek justice and know our criminal justice system believes them and stands with them. This bill may be simple, but it will go a long way in ensuring more rapists will be brought to justice.”
“Survivors deserve a justice system that supports them during one of the most difficult times of their lives,” said State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “HB5441 removes a loophole that should never have existed and allows survivors to seek justice.”
“The trauma associated with sexual assault is already profound – the last thing survivors need is the added stress of a lack of privacy and confidentiality,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “SB3023 will allow people to feel more secure in seeking a rape exam.”
“Survivors of sexual assault deserve a system that that supports them and provides them with justice and support – not works against them,” said State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake). “By addressing loopholes in current law and providing survivors with more access to care, we are giving them greater means to cope and grieve.”
“Survivors of sexual assault need the system to work a lot better for them to seek and receive health care services as they process the trauma they’ve been through,“ said State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). “This measure provides a significant improvement by removing costs, bills, and increases the timeline during which survivors can access treatment. I am honored to support this legislation.”
“As a longtime advocate for survivors, getting to work on these bills is an honor,” said State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago). “Working with survivors who use their experience to engage in advocacy to ensure others are better protected than they were is awe-inspiring. Ensuring that survivors have access to appropriate care both at the time of their assault and afterward is a fundamental responsibility of our criminal justice and health systems. Similarly, our criminal justice system must constantly examine systems, procedures, and preconceived notions to ensure that we remove barriers to reporting by survivors.”
“Outdated policies unfortunately failed to protect vulnerable individuals by ensuring accountability and to support survivors with compassion and understanding of the trauma that results from one of the most horrific crimes there is,” said Rep. LaKesia Collins (D-Chicago). “These bills, which I am pleased to see Governor Pritzker sign into law, close loopholes and increase access to resources—both of which will better protect the most vulnerable Illinoisans.”
“The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault applauds the passage and signing of HB 5441 and SB 3023. These important pieces of legislation affirm essential, common-sense protections and services warranted for survivors of sexual violence. HB 5441 recognizes affirmative consent as the baseline for sexual contact and helps ensure perpetrators do not escape prosecution solely because they did not personally drug a survivor before committing sexual violence. SB 3023 expands survivor access to necessary medical treatment in a timeframe that is consistent with national recommendations and provides a clearer path to navigating the complicated steps often involved with managing insurance claims and related documentation. ICASA fully supports the improved access to legal and medical services resulting from these bills,” said Carrie Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
“Updating the definition of intoxication in our criminal code and doubling the amount of time survivors have to seek reimbursable medical attention expands their options for justice and care in the aftermath of sexual assault. We are proud of the survivors who advocated for these changes and celebrate their signing,” said Mallory Littlejohn, Legal Director at the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
“This bill provides survivors with more options during their difficult times,” said Monika Pitzele, MD., PHD. “By allowing them to opt out from using private insurance, it will increase access to care for those concerned for their privacy or confidentiality. It will also provide better health care by extending the duration of the voucher for follow up visits and treatments.”
* Sen. Fine…
Human services professionals may soon have access to student loan repayment assistance, thanks to a law led by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).
“Human services workers provide life-changing services to some of our most vulnerable communities,” Fine said. “It is past time that we provide them with much-needed assistance.”
Employees in the human services industry include welfare caseworkers, youth service providers, social workers, and many other positions specializing in working with marginalized communities. However, the industry is experiencing a shortage in employees, partially due to financial barriers. Many of these professions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, salaries do not often match the educational achievements, and many human service workers struggle to pay off their student loans.
Fine’s law encourages more students to enter this rewarding and essential workforce by providing student loan repayment plans for employees of community-based human services agencies. The law works to combat the critical worker shortage for the industry and provides assistance to many current human services workers, many of whom are women and people of color.
“While it is necessary for human services professionals to have specialized degrees to work with at-risk communities, possible student debt should not be a deterrent for interested students,” Fine said. “This loan repayment program will help ensure that the cost of tuition is no longer a financial roadblock when pursuing a career in human services.”
Senate Bill 3925 was signed into law June 10, 2022. It takes effect immediately.
* Governor’s office…
Governor JB Pritzker today designated the eastern milksnake as the official snake of the State of Illinois.
House Bill 4821 began as an initiative led by Gentry Heiple, a 7th grader at Carterville Junior High School. Gentry was inspired to advocate for this legislation after reaching out to State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) to inquire about how a bill becomes a law. Gentry conducted all the research and ultimately chose the eastern milksnake. He presented his idea to the House of Representatives State Government Administration Committee who gave unanimous consent.
The eastern milksnake is found all across Illinois – it lives in fields, woodlands, rocky hills, and river bottoms. The milksnake ranges from 24 to 36 inches in length, has smooth scales, large blotches with brown or black borders, and a y- or v-shaped mark on its head. It is not a poisonous snake and are even bred as pets.
Illinois recognizes several other official symbols of the state, including; state bird- the Northern Red Cardinal, state flower- the violet, state tree- the white oak, and state fish- the bluegill. Governor Pritzker signed a bill designating dolostone as the state rock earlier this month after a successful campaign also carried out by students learning about the civic process. More officially designated state flora and fauna can be found on the Illinois DNR website.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our young Illinoisans, like Gentry Heiple, who have gotten involved in our state’s legislative process,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am honored to sign this bill into law declaring the eastern milksnake the official snake of Illinois. Gentry, may you continue to use your voice to advocate for change—making our state better one bill at a time.”
“I truly enjoyed working with Gentry and his mother on this project,” said State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton). “Gentry had the idea, did all the research, and bravely presented his idea to the House State Government Administration Committee. I am especially pleased that this bill is receiving the Governor’s signature, and that my office was able to help facilitate connecting a local student to the legislative process.”
“I was honored to carry this legislation over from the House and sponsor a bill that not only established an official state snake but brought to life the vision of 11-year-old Gentry Heiple, from Southern Illinois who took the initiative in making sure our state indeed had an official snake,” said State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).
“I decided to do this bill to try and highlight the good and importance of snakes all over,” said Gentry Heiple. “And by doing this I was able to visit the capitol and meet some of the most important people in Illinois. And I am very grateful and appreciative of all the people who supported me and voted yes on the bill. I was surprised to see the amount of people with such fear be so intrigued and supportive of this snake bill.”
* Rep. Ramirez…
State Representative Delia C. Ramirez, D-Chicago, is celebrating the signing of HB 5581, which designates Illinois Route 21/Milwaukee Ave from Sangamon St. in Chicago to Greenwood Rd. in the Village of Niles as the Milwaukee Avenue Polish Heritage Corridor. The bill, introduced and sponsored by Ramirez, was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on June 10, 2022.
“Our city and state are richer and fuller due to the many contributions from the Polish American community” said Rep. Ramirez. “Establishing this Polish Heritage Corridor is an opportunity for us to acknowledge, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Polish Americans in Chicago and throughout our state. Investing in and celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the communities I represent has been an important part of my work in the state legislature. I am proud to have led this initiative and demonstration of Illinois’ deep and historic connection to Polish history and culture.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2016-2020 people with Polish ancestry made up, on average, around 2.7% of those living in the United States and around 6.6% of Illinois residents, giving Illinois one of the highest proportions of residents with Polish ancestry in the nation.
The new law authorizes the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect plaques along the Corridor in recognition of its new status.
“I am pleased that Gov. Pritzker has signed this important bill into law,” said Ramirez. “I look forward to working with the administration as we continue to partner in honoring, investing in, and preserving the unique cultural heritage and legacy of Illinois’ diverse communities.”
Q: My question is how much does a senior income have to be in order to receive a tax freeze on their property? Thank you.
Steele: I believe the senior income has to be less than 55. I’m not sure because I’m not at the assessor’s office now. But I can tell you this, once I’m at the assessor’s office, one, I’ll definitely know the amount, but I will work with the senior community…
Um, it’s $65,000 and that answer is just facepalm embarrassing. Video clip is here. Full show is here.
Trump campaign rally for Rep. Mary Miller appears increasingly likely […]
Overall, Trump’s candidate has won 12 congressional primaries and lost three times with 11 left to be decided, according to Axios.
* The House Republicans have taken the “closet Democrat” claim to a whole other level in the 93rd District, where Rep. Mark Luft (R-Pekin) is facing Travis Weaver in the primary. From a Weaver Facebook ad…
In this week’s installment of “What’s Mark Makin’ Up”, we have a decade old picture of me and a family friend that has been photoshopped into a picture of me and public enemy number one—JB Pritzker. You can’t make this stuff up; oh wait… I guess you can! These untruthful mailers are sad, but fortunately they’re so blatantly bad it is comical. Nonetheless, without any further ado, here is FACT CHECK #3:
- Claim #1: I “share the same insider circles” as JB Pritzker and Mike Madigan
- Fact #1: It is an absurd statement to make. I have never hung out with them, I don’t have any friends who have hung out with them, I don’t know what shows they watch; frankly, sometimes I don’t know what planet they live on. I would recognize them if I saw them because they ransacked our state, but that’s about it. I don’t know how else to refute it, except to point out that I live by Kickapoo. This may shock you, but I don’t think Pritzker and Madigan are regulars at the Jubilee Café.
- Claim #2: I’m “not a Republican”
- Fact #2: I’ve been a Republican my entire life, I was raised by two Republican parents and four grandparents who flipped between Rush Limbaugh and the Chicago Cubs on the radio. I have never voted for, aligned with, donated to, or supported a Democrat in my life. In the words of Mike Pence, “I’m a Christian, Conservative, Republican, in that order”
State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, faces a challenge in the Republican primary from Kent Gray, a candidate with more baggage than Samsonite. […]
Gray, 52, is a Springfield-area lawyer who had his law license suspended for one year, beginning in December 2018. He owes back property taxes for his Leland Grove home. And by his own admission, he’s behind on child-support payments for his two children.
“The Illinois General Assembly already has enough ethical challenges without electing someone like this,” Butler said of his opponent.
Gray said the Sangamon County Republican Party establishment hates Donald Trump and consequently is opposed to him because he supports the 45th president and once managed his Illinois campaign. He added that his opponent is a “Never Trumper.”
“Day One” a 30-second ad has begun to run on broadcast and cable television. The ad will also reach voters on digital channels, and features Alderman Pat Dowell, saying in her own words that she will be ready on Day One to represent the 1st Congressional District. The ad will run through Election Day.
“My goal as a public servant has always been to listen and speak directly with the people I represent. As Alderman and Chair of the Budget Committee in City Council, I have been able to pass legislation and work across the aisle to get results. I am ready to begin work on Day One in Congress,” said Ald. Pat Dowell, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District.
The ads can be viewed at:
TV
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xth7hun61emdy6y/PatDowell_01DayOne.mov?dl=0
Digital
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7eou87l88o0hnes/PatDowell_01DayOne.mp4?dl=
“Day One”
Alderman Pat Dowell:
I got my start with Mayor Harold Washington.
As an alderman, I’ve delivered resources that have transformed neighborhoods into thriving areas of growth and opportunity.
Now we need a voice in congress to deliver on the issues that matter.
Protecting our votes;
Stopping gun violence;
Making it easier to afford gas and groceries.
I’m Democrat Pat Dowell. I approve this message because on day one, I’m ready to get the job done for you.
* Also from Dowell…
National Organization for Women Political Action Committee has endorsed Pat Dowell for Democratic Nomination for Congress in the First District of Illinois.
“The National Organization for Women has been the voice for women for generations, and I am incredibly proud to receive this endorsement. I will continue standing with NOW to fight for a women’s right to choose, pay equity, and equal rights. If elected, I will be the first woman to represent the 1st Congressional District; I am ready for that responsibility,” said Ald. Pat Dowell, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District.
…Adding… Press release…
As part of a multi-stop tour of Chicago, Senator Bernie Sanders will host a rally at the Humboldt Park Boathouse for Northwest side progressives. The event is aimed at encouraging Chicagoans to take advantage of early voting, which commenced on June 13th.
Senator Sanders has endorsed progressive Delia Ramirez in her run for U.S Congress in the newly re-drawn 3rd District, which covers Humboldt Park as well as Logan Square, Belmont-Cragin, and several northwest suburbs. Ramirez is a lifelong Chicagoan and daughter of Guatemalan immigrants who has served as 4th District State Rep in the Illinois General Assembly since 2018.
WHO: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, State Rep. Delia Ramirez, Congressman Chuy Garcia, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates, Jonathan Jackson Candidate for IL-01, Senator Omar Aquino, Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Senator Karina Villa, Senator Robert Peters, State Representative Will Guzzardi, 4th District Illinois House candidate Lilian Jimenez, 8th District Cook County Commissioner candidate Anthony Quezada, 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez Rosa, 33rd Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez.
* More…
* Illinois Republican primary for attorney general: Tom Devore against Steve Kim and David Shestokas: Crackdowns on crime, corruption and COVID-19 restrictions — with some unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud for good measure.The three men vying for the Republican nomination for Illinois attorney general have all the major conservative hot-button issues pressed down as they duke it out for a challenge to Democrat Kwame Raoul, who is wrapping up his first term as the state’s chief legal officer.
* Karl Rove: Why Democrats Are Funding the GOP Fringe
* Rob Martwick and Erin Jones square off in negative campaign mailers in race for 10th Senate District seat: Jones has said that she became politically engaged about 5 years ago when she was one of dozens of city workers who former alderman John Arena (45th) filed a police accountability complaint against because of “racially charged” comments she allegedly made on social media about a controversial mixed-income housing project at 5150 N. Northwest Hwy. … Jones’ campaign is being supported by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, and she has been endorsed by Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st) and County Clerk of the Circuit Clerk Iris Martinez.
* ‘Save America Rally’ reserves Adams County Fairgrounds for June event: A contract to reserve the Adams County Fairgrounds June 24 to 26 has been signed by a renting organization named “Save America Rally,” fairground officials confirmed Tuesday. Save America likely is a reference to the leadership PAC established in November 2020 by former President Donald Trump, who previously stated he would be open to traveling to Illinois to support the campaign of U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by +12,800 in May, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The April monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +9,300 to +6,400 jobs. The April unemployment rate was unchanged from the preliminary report, remaining at 4.6 percent. The May payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
In May, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment were: Leisure and Hospitality (+6,000), Educational and Health Services (+3,300) and Construction (+2,600). The industry sectors that reported monthly payroll declines were: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-800), Other Services (-800) and Mining (-100).
“We’re pleased to see the continuation of Illinois’ economic growth,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “The Pritzker Administration, alongside IDES and local partners, continues to work toward a stronger and more sustainable workforce system. We encourage job seekers and businesses across the state to visit Get Hired Illinois or IllinoisJobLink.com for today’s latest resources.”
“Over the past year, Illinois has made long-term sustainable progress in adding jobs and lowering unemployment since the state fully re-opened in June 2021,” said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia. “We’re encouraged to see gains in the leisure and hospitality, construction and education sectors and continue to support our workforce through training and programs for job seekers.”
The state’s unemployment rate was +1.0 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for May, which was 3.6 percent, unchanged from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -1.9 percentage points from a year ago when it was at 6.5 percent.
Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll employment increased by +249,700 jobs, with gains across nearly all major industries. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases were: Leisure and Hospitality (+84,600), Professional and Business Services (+43,500), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+41,900). The Mining sector (-300) was the only industry sector that reported an over-the-year decline in payroll employment. In May, total nonfarm payrolls were up +4.3 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +4.5 percent in the nation.
The number of unemployed workers was up from the prior month, a +0.5 percent increase to 297,800 and was down -27.1 percent over the same month one year ago. The labor force was up +0.2 percent over-the-month and up +2.5 percent over-the-year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
* From the Chicago Area Aggregate Producers Association, which has just three very large corporate members…
On June 7, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 began a strike against three companies that make up the Chicago Area Aggregate Producers Association: Vulcan Materials, Lehigh Hanson and Lafarge.
As the strike continues, it is important for union members, customers, stakeholders and the public to know the facts. Below is a statement from CAAPA to set the record straight:
“It is unfortunate that Local 150 decided to strike and that union leaders have been providing misleading information about the situation.
We reached out to Local 150 on March 1 to begin contract negotiations and were in contact with the union throughout the spring. Local 150 did not agree to sit down for talks until after the contract expired on April 30 and almost immediately decided to strike. Local 150 still has not presented a wage and benefit proposal despite multiple requests.
Local 150 has made unfounded claims regarding safety issues and using unskilled replacement workers. These allegations are simply not true. Our trained and experienced management employees are working to support our customers to minimize disruption to their businesses.
The strike not only jeopardizes essential infrastructure needs that impact roads, bridges and flood-prevention projects, it also increases costs for taxpayers during this shortened construction season.
We remain committed to finding a path forward that is mutually beneficial, and we are hopeful our continued negotiations at the bargaining table bring our employees back to work soon.”
* Meanwhile, here’s a press release issued Tuesday…
This morning, leaders from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 issued statements in support of the striking members of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150.
More than 300 IUOE Local 150 members went on strike on June 7th against construction material producer companies Lehigh Hanson, Vulcan Materials, and Lafarge Holcim in protest of unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
“Hard working men and women deserve to be treated with dignity at work,” said Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood. “We stand in solidarity with the striking members of IUOE Local 150 and call on these companies to prioritize these workers’ health, safety, and rights on the job.”
“The officers of the Chicago FOP stand with Local 150 members as they exercise their right to peacefully strike in the wake of their employers’ alleged unfair labor practices,” said Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara. “The men and women of the FOP understand the power of collective action to bring progress on the job and call upon these employers to negotiate in good faith and work with the union to reach a resolution that is fair and equitable for their workers.”
The Illinois FOP is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing over 33,000 active duty and retired police officers – more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 represents officers of the Chicago Police Department.
* The day before that Tuesday press released was issued, the Chicago Land Operators Joint Labor Management PAC, which is heavily influenced by Local 150, put $10K into the United Working Taxpayers PAC. That committee had previously been funded solely by the Chicago FOP and, as subscribers know, had sent out a negative mailer against a couple of Democratic state legislators that 150 supports, but the FOP opposes…
The FOP is a PAC, just like this PAC Casper setup. They could have sent the mailers. Why all the runaround?
The FOP knows Dems reading a negative mailer from the MAGA FOP isn't going to land with a lot of voters. But "United Working Taxpayers"? That has a veneer of legitimacy.
— The People's Fabric (@peoplesfabric) June 9, 2022
It also allows the Chicago FOP to get around the contribution caps since the group was nearly at that cap for Chicago police detective and Republican activist Erin Jones, who’s running against Sen. Rob Martwick (D-Chicago) in the Democratic primary.
The United Working Taxpayers PAC has not yet disclosed spending that money, but it recently disclosed spending cash in a bevy of races, including for Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez’s state central committee contest and on behalf of Carmen Navarro, who has since been removed from the ballot for county sheriff. Those are/were both Chicago FOP peeps. The FOP/Operators-funded PAC has also reported spending $19K against state Rep. Delia Ramirez in her congressional primary against Ald. Gil Villegas.
This story gets even more complicated, but I’m going to wait for a bit on that.
…Adding… Ed Maher from Local 150…
Hi Rich,
The contribution to UWT was made in support of Election Day activities for candidates that we’ve endorsed. Nothing more to it than that.
Police have often voiced support for Local 150 and other unions during strikes. Employers will frequently call police on striking workers or union representatives on picket lines, but we are extremely thorough in educating our members and staff on laws that apply to picketing in order to ensure that all picket lines and strike activity are conducted peacefully and in accordance with applicable laws.
Two Illinois Republican gubernatorial hopefuls visited the Quad Cities area on Wednesday, making another pitch to voters ahead of the June 28 primary election. […]
Both candidates believe, however, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is trying to influence the Republican primary election with recent advertising.
“For a Republican to win as governor of the state of Illinois, that Republican’s going to need Republican support, independent support, and democratic crossover support. J.B. Pritzker knows I’ll be able to get all those,” Irvin said.
“I think it’s obvious Governor Pritzker thinks I’m the easiest candidate to beat and my message to Governor Pritzker is be careful what you wish for because it’s coming right toward ya,” Bailey said. “So, the people of Illinois are absolutely fed up with the state of our state. They’re ready for something different.”
Discuss.
…Adding… The Bailey campaign’s spokesperson texted me this afternoon to say Bailey’s comments were “cut off” by the paper, but didn’t respond when I asked what else Bailey said.
As one top business insider who knows the company puts it, in a cultural sense, conservative business CEOs feel more comfortable now in Texas or Florida than they do in liberal Illinois. That means they’ll split if they have an excuse to go.
That’s the case with Citadel. Its boss, Ken Griffin, is most definitely on the conservative side. I hear he refers to Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker as “a Bolshevik.” But his real issue lately is Chicago street crime and violence, which has made his staff and clients feel uncomfortable and made it more difficult to lure the talent that is critical to Citadel’s future.
So, he has an excuse. And speculation is rising that if the Griffin-staked Richard Irvin goes down in flames in the June 28 GOP gubernatorial primary, as appears increasingly likely, Griffin will simply pull the plug.
* The Question: Do you think Ken Griffin will leave Illinois if Richard Irvin loses the primary/general? Make sure to explain your answer, but insults and huzzahs will be deleted. Stick to the question.
There’s the truth, and then there’s the whole truth.
Abdelnasser Rashid is attacking Mike Zalewski for being too close to former Speaker Madigan. The Whole Truth? Rashid took $50,000 from Madigan. That’s a lot of money.
And here’s the rest: Rashid’s now funded by an insider who bankrolls right-wing politicians determined to deprive women of their right to choose and attack common sense gun laws. He doesn’t even live in the district. The Sun-Times has called Rashid, disappointing and out of touch. And now you know why.
But Othman also has a long history of contributing to Democrats and has mostly contributed to Democrats for nearly the past 20 years, including to the campaigns of former President Barack Obama, Sen. Dick Durbin, and congressional representatives Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Sean Casten, Marie Newman and a host of other Democrats.
Othman told the Landmark that he grew up in a Republican household and used to be a Republican, but that changed about 20 years ago.
“I did switch from being a Republican to a Democrat, because the Republican Party over the last 20 some years has pulled to the right so far that they’re over the cliff now,” Othman said.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a Zalewski slams an opponent over ties to Madigan. Wow.
* Click the pic, which was taken at a Darren Bailey bus tour event, and you’ll see the signs are paid for by both Mary Miller’s and Bailey’s campaigns…
The signs are also out in the wild, I’m told.
Man, if Bailey doesn’t get this Trump endorsement in Quincy later this month, a whole lot of folks are going to be bummed out, and not just among his faithful followers, if you catch the drift.
But if he does get it, the coverage will likely drown out everything else until primary day.
* Meanwhile, from the DGA…
Ultra-Conservative Darren Bailey Becomes Clear Front-Runner in GOP Race for Illinois Governor
With less than two weeks until the primary, far-right extremist Darren Bailey has broken into a commanding lead, becoming the clear front-runner in the Republican race for Illinois governor.
Today, a new independent poll showed Bailey up by a whopping 18 points — the fourth poll to show him leading the pack in the past couple of weeks. Add that to last night’s endorsement from uber-conservative Congresswoman Mary Miller and former Trump advisor Steve Cortes’ company on the campaign trail, and Bailey seems to be clearing a path to the nomination.
Meanwhile, Richard Irvin — best known for dodged questions, corrupt pay-to-play deals, and half-truths — has flailed for weeks, but these lagging numbers may be the final nail in the coffin. With the primary just days away, Irvin’s praying for a miracle to even come close to making up Bailey’s huge lead.
“The numbers don’t lie. With just days to go until the primary, ultra-conservative Darren Bailey is clearly the front-runner in the race for governor — and his lead is only growing,” said DGA Illinois Press Secretary Yael Sheinfeld. “A Governor Darren Bailey is a danger to Illinoisans everywhere. With his far-right extremist stances on everything from abortion to guns to COVID, Darren Bailey is far too conservative for our state.”
* Since we last discussed this topic, Gov. Pritzker has contributed $55,000 to Avon Township Democratic Chair Hal Sloan’s campaign for state central committee. Tom Maillard is the incumbent, but despite receiving several endorsements, he has reported raising almost no money.
And then this hit the mailboxes today…
Former Senate President Cullerton voted with Pritzker on the DPI chair election, accurately predicting that the state party would face some big legal hurdles to raise and spend non-federal campaign funds if Robin Kelly won. Cullerton is running against Sen. Rob Martwick (D-Chicago), and Martwick wasn’t surprised with the endorsement.
Also, Martwick and Pritzker have tangled a bit on MWRD candidate Daniel Pogorzelski. “Pogo” was endorsed by the county party and he’s close to Martwick. Pritzker is going up against the party in that race and is backing former staffer Chakena Perry, who was appointed to the MWRD.
That makes seven public endorsements so far in contested races. The others are here.
*** UPDATE 1 *** The governor has contributed another $500,000 to the Democratic Party of Illinois. He also gave $15,000 to Karen Yarbrough, who’s running unopposed for both state central committee and for county clerk. He also contributed $5,000 to Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Rep. Gordon Booth, a strong Pritzker ally at the Statehouse, is running against two other Democrats in this open-seat contest, Pam Davidson (who has also sent a mailer) and Linda McNeely…
*** UPDATE 3 *** Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford) just confirmed that he was endorsed by Gov. Pritzker. West is running against Virgil Mayberry in the 17th District.
After spending almost $50K last month for mailers attacking 2nd District Supreme Court Republican candidate Mark Curran, it has now disclosed spending $171K for another GOP candidate in the race, Daniel Shanes, the Chief Deputy Judge of the Lake County Circuit Court and former prosecutor. He has a huge endorsement list ranging from former US Attorney Fred Foreman, to Senate GOP Leader Dan McConchie, to Rep. Mark Batinick, to the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, to Jeanne Ives.
* I think the reference in this Gary Rabine press release is to a somewhat recent Fox News interview where Bailey said he was in favor of leaving this sort of thing up to local school districts rather than dictating from on high. But he’s also said things in the other direction. Anyway, here’s Rabine…
Illinois GOP candidate Darren Bailey says it’s okay for local school districts to adopt woke, far-left sex-ed curriculum in preschool. In doing so, Darren the Cowardly Lion capitulated to the far left. We need a governor who leads on these issues and doesn’t defer to the woke police. The primary function of any governor is to protect its citizens. As your governor, I will begin by protecting our children.
I’ve asked for an explanation. They’re not too fast over there, though.
* DGA…
If Darren Bailey’s stance as the single most conservative candidate for governor was ever in question, this week’s happenings on the campaign trail undoubtedly sealed the deal. After endorsing the far-right extremist on Steve Bannon’s podcast last month, former Trump advisor and self-proclaimed “American nationalist” Steve Cortes this week joined Bailey downstate for his bus tour.
At a campaign stop yesterday, Cortes revealed the details of a recent conversation where he told Trump that “Illinois absolutely is in play” and threw his support behind Illinois Republicans: “This is a wave election year, and we are going to send Mary Miller back to Washington DC and we’re going to put Darren Bailey in the governor’s office in Springfield.”
There’s no doubt that the far-rights of the far-right think Bailey is the true conservative for Illinois.
Meanwhile, there’s growing likelihood that Trump will endorse Bailey in a potential visit to the Prairie State — especially given new polls showing Bailey solidly leading the pack ahead of the primary. It’s an endorsement Bailey’s been vying for since meeting with the former president in Mar-a-Lago, and a show of support that would only widen Bailey’s significant lead.
“With Cortes’ resounding support and an endorsement from Trump himself at play, far-right extremist Darren Bailey’s leaving no room for doubt. He is, without question, the single uber-conservative candidate for governor,” said DGA Illinois Press Secretary Yael Sheinfeld. “Voters know the truth: Darren Bailey is too conservative for Illinois.”
Mary Miller’s false, negative TV ad against Rodney Davis has been rated “completely false and misleading” by a local news outlet. This is the same TV ad that landed Miller an ethics investigation for misuse of official resources for campaign purposes, a clear violation of House rules.
“Mary Miller can’t run on her own terrible record so she has to lie about Rodney Davis’ record. The truth is Rodney is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and just voted No on the Democrats’ gun control legislation in the House. He’s a proud gun owner and NRA member and has been endorsed by the NRA in previous elections. Miller’s own record is having a child sex predator serving as her personal campaign driver, being repeatedly fined for chronic late payment of taxes, and teaming up with the Socialist Squad to defund our military. She should be ashamed of her lies and record.” - Aaron DeGroot, Davis campaign spokesperson
You can read or watch the news clip by clicking here
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, alongside Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara and former Chicago Police Department Officer Robert Mizera, criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker at a Tuesday news conference for his handling of the Prisoner Review Board.
Mizera, a former CPD officer, was shot and injured by Kensley Hawkins in 1980. Hawkins later would be convicted of the murder of a 65-year-old man and was sentenced to almost 100 years in prison.
He is now out of prison after being commuted by Pritzker and his appointed Illinois Prisoner Review Board.
“Mr. Hawkins was zealously represented by Department Counsel Lisa Schoedel at Jenner & Block, as part of [Illinois Prison Project’s] pro bono program,” an April 28 statement from Jenner & Block said. “Ms. Schoedel’s commitment and dedication to Mr. Hawkins and his case paid off: Last week, she received a call from the Illinois Governor’s Office, telling her that Mr. Hawkins would be coming home.”
Mizera said he learned of his attacker’s release via an email and has had no further discussion with Pritzker or his administration about the decision.
“On April 22nd, 2021, I was informed by email that Mr. Hawkins had been released from prison with no reason given,” Mizera said at Tuesday’s news conference. “The governor did not call me, he did not ask me what I thought and he probably did not care, so that’s my dealing with Governor Pritzker and his release of people who obviously should still be in prison.”
Catanzara asked the residents of Illinois to think about what would happen to them in this situation.
“If an officer cannot get justice, and their families cannot get justice, what does the average person think is going to happen to the monsters that murder their loved ones?” Catanzara said.
Durkin, R-Western Springs, called the clemency a sign of disrespect to law enforcement.
“Today I am here to talk about Governor Pritzker’s continuing lack of respect and continuing attack on our police officers, those currently on the force and those who have already served, and the victims of crime in this state,” Durkin said.
Pritzker has granted clemency to more than 20 individuals previously convicted of crimes since taking office.
I emailed Durkin’s spokesperson to ask if Hawkins had been arrested since his release more than a year ago. No reply.
* From the governor’s office…
The leader of the Republican Party standing with a racist zealot spewing lie after lie while using racist language like “savages” is unfortunately the new norm. If Leader Durkin truly cared about making our state a safer place to live, he would have voted to provide funding for more Illinois State Troopers, to build and staff a new crime lab to process evidence, and expand violence interruption programs. While Leader Durkin continues to lie about what the criminal justice reform bill does, advocates for survivors who worked on the law say “it increases safety for survivors.” Gov. Pritzker is focused on solutions, not tired talking points.
BACKGROUND
Kensley Hawkins spent 40 years in prison after being convicted of attempted murder based on the conduct of his co-defendant under the theory of accountability. He was 70 years old with a number of health conditions at the time he was granted parole.
• “That’s not what we consider advocating for survivors, nor is the tendency of some law enforcement officials to use survivors as an excuse to justify total opposition to reform, all the while ignoring the lived experiences that informed these structural changes.
Contrary to the false arguments advanced by opponents, the new pretrial system will not simply release every person arrested for a crime. For example, it will ensure people held for forcible felonies, including domestic or sexual violence, are kept for up to 48 hours. It will give the state time to gather information about whether someone poses a threat to others. It is a welcome reform to the current practice of releasing people who can pay the bond with minimal regard for the threat they may pose to survivors.”
— The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence (@CMBWNTheNetwork) January 20, 2022
The end of sexual harm includes the end of oppressive practices in the criminal legal system. As survivors and allies who advocate for victims' rights, CAASE wholeheartedly supports the PFA and will fight for its implementation. #EndMoneyBail#DefendPFAhttps://t.co/U2wMXbJAtM
— Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (@TheCAASE) January 20, 2022
Who is John Catanzara?
• According to the Citizens Police Data Project, he has been the subject of 50 allegations — more than 96% of Chicago police officers.
• Once suspended for 30 days following an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse in 2003.
• Reprimanded following an investigation into an allegation of excessive force in 2003.
• Suspended for six days following an investigation into allegations of conduct unbecoming an officer by associating with a felon while off-duty in 2003.
• Suspended for 20 days following an investigation into allegations of conduct unbecoming by associating with a felon while off-duty in 2004.
• Suspended for 10 days for insubordination in 2005.
• Suspended for 15 days following an investigation into an allegation of a personnel violation at an Old Town tavern in 2007.
• Suspended for 20 days after the Chicago Police Board found him guilty of violating department rules by working as a private security guard while on medical leave for a back injury in 2008. Supt. Garry McCarthy had sought to fire him.
• According to the Chicago Tribune, then-Police Supt. Jody Weis sought to fire Catanzara in 2008, accusing him of failing to follow orders to complete a psychological exam, but the Chicago Police Board cleared Catanzara of wrongdoing.
• Suspended for 10 days following an investigation into miscellaneous personnel violations in 2013.
There is a provision in [the SAFE-T Act] which for the first time is going to allow a defendant, a defendant to be able to compel the victim of crime to appear at a detention hearing starting January 1. … We have a responsibility to protect victims, not to feed them to the savages, is what JB Pritzker and the Democrats have done under this legislation.
…Adding… From a contemporaneous news report…
* And a debunking of Durkin’s actual claim…
At a press conference today, opponents to the #PretrialFairnessAct used gender-based violence victims to make false and repeated claims. The fact is that the PFA makes it *harder* for defense attorneys to call victims to the witness stand in detention hearings. #twillpic.twitter.com/i8AMtaF10l
— Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (@TheCAASE) February 9, 2022
* Statement from the Illinois Prison Project…
The Illinois Prison Project represented Kensley Hawkins in his clemency petition alongside Jenner & Block through our pro bono program. It’s no surprise proponents of failed, carceral policies would rather resort to racist dog whistles and political grandstanding than engage with substantive, evidence-based solutions that actually make our communities safer.
Mr. Hawkins was released in April 2021, just six years short of his estimated release date, after having spent almost four decades behind bars. His medical conditions put him at an increased risk of death from COVID-19 at a time when the virus had already infected tens of thousands of people in Illinois prisons.
Mr. Hawkins was convicted under the controversial theory of accountability, a legal doctrine that allows for a person to be convicted of a crime they not only didn’t commit but also didn’t plan, agree, or intend to commit, and at which they were not even present.
* Gov. Pritzker was asked today whether he was running for president…
So it’s funny that you’re saying that, Mary Ann, because the truth is that I’m going to help other Democratic governors get elected in Massachusetts, in New Hampshire, in Maine, to help raise money, to help get the word out. These are pro-choice Democratic governors. It’s the most important thing that we’ve got to deal with across the country, that the Supreme Court is forcing us to deal with, and that is, they’re looking to overturn Roe v. Wade. The governors are the ones who are going to have power to make sure that we preserve reproductive rights for women and, broadly, rights that are going to be taken away as a result of their overturning of the right to privacy. So we need governors who are going to stand up for women, for the LGBTQ community, for all of us in our individual rights.
And when asked about the perception of visiting New Hampshire, Pritzker said this…
I can’t tell you anything other than I love the job that I have. It’s why I’m running for reelection as governor of our state. And I intend to continue to do a good job for the people of the state for the next four years.
Promises like those are often broken. Darren Bailey once ruled out a run for governor.
* But here’s the thing: Illinois and several other states are in the running to be the first in a revamped primary system. Here’s Lynn Sweet…
WHAT IS CHANGING: The DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee passed an April resolution calling for a diverse nominating process that “contributes to a fair and sound electoral process” and helps Democrats win the White House. The DNC also made clear it prefers the more straightforward primary balloting.
THE COMPETITION: The DNC contemplates the first four primaries to be in four regions. Illinois is competing for the Midwest slot against bids filed by Friday from state Democratic parties in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska and Oklahoma. […]
Illinois Democrats need to make the first cut and be invited to make a presentation to the Rules and Bylaws meeting June 22-24 in Washington. The committee votes in August. The full DNC will approve a new nominating calendar in September.
To inaugurate the newly-established Milwaukee Avenue Polish Heritage Corridor, state Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, D-Chicago, are holding a press conference on Thursday, June 16 at 2 p.m. at the Polish Museum of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. Ramirez will also be joined by Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, Sen. Robert F. Martwick and representatives of the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce.
Ramirez passed House Bill 5581 creating the new Heritage Corridor, and the bill was signed into law last week.
* Governor’s office…
Gov. JB Pritzker today signed into law legislation allowing for the implementation of design-build project delivery, an efficient, alternative method for completing the state’s infrastructure improvements.
Senate Bill 2981 creates the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act, authorizing the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Tollway Authority to adopt the use of the design-build delivery method on highway construction projects. IDOT currently utilizes the design-bid-build project delivery method in which the department designs a construction plan, then reviews bids from contractors. Design-build would create a more efficient process, allowing a single contractor to handle both design and construction of the project. Any projects that adopt this method would be capped at a combined total of $400 million.
“Illinoisans deserve modernized infrastructure on a timely basis,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “A design-build delivery method won’t just save taxpayers money—it will streamline our construction process and deliver the infrastructure improvements that our state requires. With this legislation, our Rebuild Illinois investment plan will be expedited in a time-efficient, cost-effective, and equity-based manner. I am proud to sign this bipartisan bill into law thanks to our legislative partners’ foresight and advocacy.”
“Streamlining the implementation of infrastructure projects will save taxpayer dollars and rebuild our roads, bridges and mass transit systems in a transparent and equitable manner,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Finding alternative ways to deliver on the Rebuild Illinois capital plan remains a top priority for me as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.”
“Flexibility makes for more effective and responsive solutions,” said State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. “This new law will allow bidders and contractors to be more agile and adaptable in response to public needs, and for transportation agencies to ensure that bureaucratic red tape doesn’t interfere with our pursuit of the best solutions on behalf of all Illinoisans.”
“This innovative approach to designing and building our state’s infrastructure will save time and money, and that’s a win-win for the taxpayers of Illinois,” said State Senator Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles), Chief Co-Sponsor of the legislation and Minority Spokesperson of the Senate Transportation Committee. “We’re streamlining processes, maximizing efficiencies, and fostering a collaborative approach from start to finish. I am proud to be the leading Republican sponsor of this bipartisan legislation.”
“We thank Gov. Pritzker and the General Assembly for coming through to approve these new methods of project of delivery at IDOT, something that’s been long overdue in Illinois, the transportation hub of North America and a state rich with infrastructure,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “These give us more tools in the toolbox to make sure we are delivering the governor’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program to the public as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
“This law will give Illinois a proven best practice that will help deliver transportation projects more quickly and efficiently, saving money and getting people and goods where they need to go sooner,” said Kelly Welsh, President, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago. “I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Transportation Committee Chairman Ram Villivalam, the leadership of organized labor, and the construction and engineering industry for their hard work and partnership in bringing this innovation to our state transportation program.”
“Illinois is on its way to joining the many other states both nationwide and in the Midwest that have already authorized design-build to deliver infrastructure projects,” said Mary Tyler, AICP, Transportation Director, Illinois Economic Policy Institute. “Design-build has become the industry-standard, and research shows it delivers projects more quickly and promotes cost savings. Illinois will now be equipped with a more streamlined and efficient process to tackle large, complex infrastructure projects that are vital to the state’s transportation systems.”
“Equal access in the built industry for minority owned firms in a meaningful and sustained manner must be the highest priority today,” said Rev. Larry S. Bullock, MPA, President/CEO, USMCA. “Members of the US Minority Contractors Association [USMCA], headquartered here in Illinois, enthusiastically support this new and innovative design-build law and Governor Pritzker’s affirmative action taken today as he once again gives genuine support to diversity, equity and inclusion in the state of Illinois.”
“Providing IDOT and the Tollway the authority to utilize alternative delivery methods like design-build will responsibly expedite construction projects, with the goal of producing more jobs for Illinois workers and shorter construction times for Illinois commuters and businesses,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “ACEC-IL and its members are proud to have championed SB2891 and applaud the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker for their great work on this legislation.”
The Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act also authorizes IDOT and the Tollway to use the construction manager-general contractor delivery method on at most two projects per year. In adopting this method, the department would contract with a single contractor to serve as the construction manager for the design phase, then agree on a price to serve as general contractor for construction.
Additionally, the act requires IDOT and the Tollway to ensure full participation for minority and women-owned businesses by implementing separate goals for design and construction, bid-shopping protections, and requiring independent construction managers for projects costing over $30 million.
The adoption of the design-build method will serve as a method of streamlining the implementation of Governor Pritzker’s landmark, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois infrastructure investment plan. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a total of $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth.
Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. The plan’s implementation has led to a complete revitalization of infrastructure in Illinois.
* Governor’s office…
Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation into law requiring insurance and managed health plans provide coverage for continuous glucose monitors, an essential tool for diabetes care. SB2969 expands safe and affordable treatment options for thousands of Illinoisans. Continuous glucose monitors are essential devices for patients with both Type I and Type II diabetes to maintain safe blood sugar levels and prevent the need for emergency medical care. The bill was signed at Lurie Children’s Hospital, a major endocrinology center that treats thousands of diabetic patients each year.
“No one—regardless of their socioeconomic status or insurance coverage—should go without the care they require,” said Governor Pritzker. “But for too long, diabetics have had to make the impossible choice between obtaining this necessary medical equipment or putting food on the table. That is an unacceptable burden to ask diabetics to bear, and this legislation will ensure insurance companies support these essential devices and those that use them”
More than 1.3 million Illinoisans suffer from diabetes. Continuous glucose monitors track blood sugar throughout the day, allowing up-to-the-minute data for patients to use when assessing diet or the need for insulin. Although diabetes is a manageable disease, the tools to monitor and control the disease are essential for that management to be successful. Failure to treat elevated or decreased blood sugar levels can result in serious illness for patients, often requiring expensive emergency care and hospitalization.
Diabetes disproportionately affects minority and low-income communities, further exacerbating the equity gap caused by high-cost monitoring devices. CDC data shows Black, Hispanic, and Native American Illinoisans are all at a higher risk of getting diabetes. This legislation ensures the most at-risk Illinoisans cannot be denied coverage that is desperately needed to stay healthy and prevent further medical complications.
Governor Pritzker has codified several other insurance expansions into law during his time in office to expand access to necessary healthcare that has been neglected or gone uncovered by insurance providers in the past. Legislation signed by the Governor has required insurance coverage for prostate cancer and breast cancer screenings, naloxone, prophylactic AIDS medicine, over-the-counter birth control, and more. Governor Pritzker also signed an executive order during the COVID-19 pandemic requiring telehealth be covered at the same rate as in-person care, codifying that protection into law in 2021.
“This is a development in science that should be available to help people better regulate their diabetes,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Glucose monitoring systems should be covered the same as other medical equipment. Today we are taking a positive toward making these devices more accessible.”
“No one should have to worry about how they will access quality healthcare or the medicine they need to be well,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “By signing this legislation, Illinois honors its promise of putting resources and policies in place that benefit the health and welfare of residents throughout the state.”
“No person with diabetes should have to worry about being able to afford monitoring their blood sugar,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “Diabetes patients should not be treated differently than anyone else. We need to be doing all that we can to ensure that we are providing affordable health care to all.”
“One of the first doors I knocked on when I first ran for this role was answered by a 20 year old with type 1 diabetes,” said State Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake). “His number one priority was the cost of healthcare as this was going to affect him his whole life. While IL has capped the cost of insulin, it is only right that we include and make more affordable, life changing devices that improve a person’s quality of life. SB2969 does just that.”
“The signing of SB 2969 is another example of Illinois leading the fight for those in our communities who need it the most,” said State Rep. Kambium Buckner (D-Chicago). “Glucose monitors provide users with important information about their blood sugar levels and can literally be the difference between life and death. Removing barriers like this brings us closer to our goal of complete healthcare equity that serves all of the people of Illinois.”
“Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago commends Governor Pritzker, Senator Julie Morrison and Representative Suzanne Ness for passing and signing into law legislation that will improve access to Continuous Glucose Monitor devices for Illinois children and families afflicted with diabetes,” stated Dr. Naomi Fogel, Medical Director of the Diabetes Program at Lurie Children’s. “Children and families with access to Continuous Glucose Monitors have improved health outcomes, reducing their risk for Emergency Room visits, hospitalizations and future complications.”
“The American Diabetes Association applauds Senator Julie Morrison for sponsoring SB 2969 and Governor Pritzker for signing it into law today,” said Gary Dougherty, Director of State Government Affairs for the Association. “Advances in diabetes technology are changing lives. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides glucose readings every few minutes, allowing for improved monitoring and management of diabetes. By requiring state-regulated health plans to cover CGMs, even more people will have affordable access to this technology which can lower their risk for dangerous complications of diabetes.”
“On behalf of the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, we thank Governor Pritzker for signing Senate Bill 2969. This legislation will help more older adults and their caregivers to access real-time glucose data monitoring to better manage their diabetes and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. We would also like to thank Senator Morrison and Representative Ness for their leadership on this issue that will improve the health of seniors and all Illinoisans,” said Marla Fronczak, President of the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging
“This important new law will help people suffering from diabetes stay healthy. We thank Governor Pritzker for signing this important law and Senator Julie Morrison and Representative Suzanne Ness for getting it through the General Assembly,” said Dr. Rodney Alford, President-Elect Illinois State Medical Society.
* Sen. Simmons…
To allow students in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections the opportunity to continue to earn an education while serving their time, State Senator Mike Simmons passed a law to allow students to attend classes remotely.
“I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Senate for supporting this legislation,” said Simmons (D-Chicago) This removes a systemic barrier for youth in custody who ought to be able to continue their education. We are giving them a better chance of finding employment and thriving when re-entering their communities”
Simmons’ law will create a pilot program to allow remote learning for students of Consuella B. York Alternative High School that are in the custody of the IDOC. If successful, the program could roll out in other alternative schools across Illinois. California currently has programs that allow inmates to work toward their Bachelor’s Degree. Research from the Cal Matters Organization show such programs have contributed to improving opportunities and lowering recidivism rates.
“This is a great step toward shoring up the gaps that exist in serving the needs of those who are incarcerated,” Simmons said. “Doing so will help buttress our overall efforts to lower recidivism rates and increase public safety.”
House Bill 5016 was signed into law and took immediate effect.
As COVID-19 transmission rates continue to rise across Illinois, with at least 32 counties reporting a “high community level,” the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Manteno is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases among its veterans and staff. Based on robust rapid testing and the support of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratories, in quick succession, we have identified 6 staff and 16 residents as positive for COVID-19. A small number of the positive residents are showing only mild symptoms, while the majority are experiencing no symptoms. All the residents who tested positive have been moved to the negative pressure isolation unit and are being closely monitored and cared for by dedicated Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) personnel. All the residents who have tested positive have received at least two doses of the vaccine and 15 are up to date with their boosters. A staff physician is assessing residents’ need for anti-viral post exposure medication. Sadly, one veteran, already under hospice care and completely asymptomatic, passed away early this morning–only hours after his booster shot and results of a COVID positive result.
Our top priority is the health and safety of our military veterans and the heroic staff who care for them. We take this very seriously. We are following recommendations from local health officials, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IDPH to safeguard everyone at the facility. This includes continuing daily health screenings of our veterans, routine COVID-19 testing of staff and residents, use of N-95 respirator masks with protective face shields, maintaining social-distancing practices, using gloves and gowns, and intensified cleaning and disinfection protocols. During an outbreak, residents are encouraged to stay in their rooms to minimize movement within the facility. IDPH staff was on site, only hours after the tests came back positive, working to ensure the full protection, testing, and care of anyone potentially exposed.
Communal dining and activities have been curtailed in the home until the outbreak has ended. We are grateful to our team for remaining highly vigilant for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and for responding swiftly, appropriately, and professionally to any potential cases. Activities and social services staff continue to develop leisure activities, in accordance with social distancing practices, to care for the psychosocial wellbeing of our veterans. Visitation is allowed to continue, per CDC guidelines however, families have been notified that we are in outbreak status and that rescheduling visitation should be considered.
Everyone seems so lax almost everywhere now, but people gotta get back to taking this virus a bit more seriously in nursing homes.
State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe was recently confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. Leading up to her swearing in, she released the following statement after resigning from the Illinois Senate Wednesday:
“Since joining the Senate in 2019, I’ve felt overwhelming support from my family, my colleagues in the General Assembly and the Metro East community—my heart is full of gratitude as I submit my resignation.
“I will cherish the partnerships and friendships that grew in my time in the Illinois Senate as we worked to advocate for change, update laws and improve our great state together. While serving the diverse communities of the 56th District was often challenging, I was overjoyed to see how we are united in our fight to enhance opportunities for families across the state.
“I am forever grateful to families of the 56th District for giving me the opportunity to serve, and I thank you all for your encouragement and thoughtfulness over the years. I love Illinois, and I look forward to continuing my work in public service in my new position.”
Senator Crowe submitted her formal resignation Wednesday, June 15 and was effective as of 10 a.m.
For a brief moment, the Senate’s membership included an actual fed. Weird times.
…Adding… Senate President Harmon…
Senate President Don Harmon issued a statement praising Crowe’s tenure in the Illinois Senate.
“Rachelle Crowe is a rising star who has been a strong voice for the people and communities she represented and the issues they care about. She will be a fantastic U.S. attorney, and I look forward to following her successful career,” Harmon said.
* Gov. Pritzker was asked about Caterpillar moving its corporate headquarters out of the suburbs and down to Texas. Man, is this ever a major downplay…
Well, if we’re talking about net jobs in the state, actually, Caterpillar has added jobs in our state. So it is true that they are moving 240 of their personnel, those are not manufacturing personnel, they’re office personnel, to another location. But they’ve added hundreds of other jobs to the state. We have more than 17,400 Caterpillar employees that are working in factories and assembly plants in our state. We’ve added many more jobs, in fact, hundreds of thousands of jobs since the worst parts of our pandemic have been added to our economy. So we’re gonna keep working at that. I’m proud of the work that’s been done to attract businesses to the state. We’ve had so many move in here. And of course, disappointed to see Caterpillar move that one office.
Of course businesses reopened after the worst of the pandemic and hired back hundreds of thousands of people, but Illinois’ unemployment rate continues to lag the rest of the country.
Also, Cat has been headquartered in this state for almost a hundred years. This ain’t some just-passing-through company like Boeing.
…Adding… Not to mention the loss of business to accountants, law firms and other headquarters vendors…
Just five of those Cat "office personnel" made over $28M in total compensation in 2021. If just those 5 relocate to Texas I think that's potentially over $1M in lost State income tax alone (admittedly very rough guess since lots of it is stock awards). https://t.co/ouTGRtB6KMhttps://t.co/ISqyQBQiWJ
Trafalgar Group adjusts its polls for a “social desirability bias” effect, the hypothesized tendency of some voters to calibrate their responses to polls towards what they believe the survey taker would like to hear. It does this by not only asking respondents how they plan to vote, but also how they think their neighbors might vote. Former Democratic Party strategist Ed Kilgore, in New York Magazine in July 2020, criticized Trafalgar’s approach, writing, “The Shy Trump Voter may not be entirely a myth, but they’re not numerous enough to fill a Trump rally, much less change an election result or rebut a poll.” Responding to criticism of Trafalgar’s polling methods and its lack of transparency about its methods, Cahaly said in November 2020, “I think we’ve developed something that’s very different from what other people do, and I really am not interested in telling people how we do it. Just judge us by whether we get it right.”
In presidential polling, Trafalgar Group only conducts state-level polls; according to Cahaly, “we don’t do national polls, and that’s for the same reason I don’t keep up with hits in a baseball game: It’s an irrelevant statistic”.
Before the 2020 election, FiveThirtyEight gave Trafalgar a grade of C−. As of April 2021, FiveThirtyEight gave Trafalgar a grade of A−.
According to The New York Times, there is almost no explanation of the Trafalgar Group’s methodology: “the methods page on Trafalgar’s website contains what reads like a vague advertisement of its services and explains that its polls actively confront social desirability bias, without giving specifics as to how.
VoteVets is out with a $430,000 new ad accusing Delia Ramirez of wanting to defund the police. It’s a reference to a letter she signed on to two years ago calling on Chicago to “defund the Chicago Police Department.” VoteVets supports Gil Villegas in the IL-03 Democratic primary.
When this horrific crime wave hit Chicago, Delia Ramirez’ answer? Defund the police immediately. Delia even voted to put people arrested for violent crimes back on our streets. We can’t trust Delia Ramirez to keep us safe.
Democrat Gil Villegas. As a union truck driver and aldermen, he’s been fighting for working families. In Congress, Gil make our communities safer with fewer illegal guns and more police on our streets. Gil Villegas. A lifetime of fighting for us.
The move is “in the best strategic interest of the company,” Chief Executive Jim Umpleby said in a statement. The heavy-machinery maker has had a presence in Texas since the 1960s, it said.
It’s not like Cat had a deep history in Deerfield. It was always intended to be a stopgap location instead of leaving straight out of Peoria.
Remember, Umpleby is the first CEO who didn’t come up through the Cat ranks, he was acquired from a subsidiary and never particularly liked living in Peoria in the first place.
If Pritzker thinks those manufacturing jobs are secure, he’s kidding himself. Moving a headquarters out of a state makes it easier to move factory jobs eventually; company bosses are insulated from the local fallout.
After Boeing moved to Chicago, it shifted manufacturing jobs from Seattle to South Carolina. Chicago could find itself on the wrong end of that equation this time. Caterpillar has been opening new plants in southern states, and recently moved the headquarters of one of its divisions to Texas. […]
Caterpillar’s comments on Texas were telling. The company told Bloomberg the move would improve access to talent and praised Dallas’ two airports.
That should puncture any complacency about Illinois’ assets. We pride ourselves on workforce talent and airport connections, among other things. Apparently they’re not as unique as we thought.
Yanez, 38, is a smart guy from Pilsen with some strong ideas and an independent streak that will make sense for those who find Villanueva too far to the left. “I’m not going to be tied to the mainstream machine mentality that has stalled out progress,” he told us, arguing that his opponent has precisely those kinds of ties. “I don’t do deals with tainted politicians,” he said. “And nothing can be achieved without first addressing corruption.”
Villanueva is a mainstream machine Democrat? And Yanez is a moderate? Man, did they ever get snowed. Maybe that comes from not doing any actual legislative candidate interviews.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators announced on Sunday they’d reached an agreement on new federal gun control legislation. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday the measures don’t go far enough but it’s a start.
The announced framework comes from 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats. The group was able to come to an agreement on background checks and red flag laws that allows courts to take guns away from people who may pose a threat.
The agreement also would set up qualifications on who needs to register as a licensed gun dealer, to ensure all commercial sellers are doing background checks.
It would be the first major gun-control agreement in 30 years.
Pritzker discussed the agreement on Monday at a unrelated news conference in Bloomington.
“It has been a long time since Congress acted on gun safety so I am glad to see there was some success,” Pritzker said. “It is not enough, we do more here in Illinois than what is being promised in that package, but progress is progress.”
* The Question: Your favorite campaign bumble story?
…Adding… OK, since people want to riff off that unfortunate mistake, I’ll pose an alternate question that you can choose to answer instead: What other organizations/people could stake the claim of doing less with more?
Caterpillar Inc. said Tuesday it will move its global headquarters from Illinois to an existing divisional office in Irving, Texas, in the Dallas–Forth Worth area, in another blow to metropolitan Chicago, which last month lost the Boeing Co. headquarters.
The move is “in the best strategic interest of the company,” Chief Executive Jim Umpleby said in a statement. The heavy-machinery maker has had a presence in Texas since the 1960s, it said.
Even with the move, Illinois has the largest concentration of Caterpillar employees anywhere in the world, the company said. The headquarters was historically in downstate Peoria, Ill., before a move to the Chicago suburb of Deerfield in 2017.
Boeing in May said it was moving its global headquarters to Arlington, Va., outside Washington, D.C., promising to keep a “significant presence” in Chicago, where it moved in 2001 from Seattle.
Caterpillar said it would begin the relocation this year, without proving further details.
“It’s disappointing to see Caterpillar move their 240 headquarters employees out of Deerfield over the next several years when so many companies are coming in,” Governor Pritzker said in an emailed statement. “We will continue to support the 17,400 Illinoisans who work for the company.” […]
The transition comes five years after Caterpillar shifted its headquarters within Illinois from its long-time foothold in Peoria to Deerfield outside of Chicago, a move at the time that rattled citizens of the town in which it had built a global empire for more than 100 years. Caterpillar a month ago hosted its first investor day since 2019 in Dallas, introducing a new buyback plan. Chief Executive Jim Umpleby at the time in an interview dismissed recession worries, citing robust growth.
The 2017 move from Peoria came as the company looked to bolster its push in foreign markets. At the time it also officially scrapped a plan to build a new complex in its hometown.
*** UPDATE 1 *** ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy…
“Another week, another iconic American company is moving its headquarters out of Illinois under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker. Just like the hundreds of thousands of individuals and families who have fled Illinois in recent years, Caterpillar is joining Boeing in leaving us for other states with lower taxes, more growth opportunity, and less crime. We must elect a new Governor and turn Illinois into the economic powerhouse it will never be under the control of JB Pritzker and Democrats in Springfield.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Leader Durkin…
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) offered the following response to Caterpillar Inc.’s announcement Tuesday that the long-time Illinois company would move its headquarters to Texas.
“Caterpillar’s decision to leave Illinois after calling it home for many decades is a devastating loss to Illinois’ business community. The reasons for this decision could not have been more clear – Illinois’ business climate no longer works for this company. Governor J.B. Pritzker has failed to bolster our state’s economy for job-creators, and companies like CAT leaving is the consequence.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** IMA…
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement regarding Caterpillar’s announcement that it will move its company headquarters out of Illinois:
“Caterpillar is and will remain a vital and important economic and philanthropic leader in Illinois. The decision to move its company headquarters out of state is a loss to Illinois, which has proudly served as home to the iconic construction equipment manufacturer for nearly a century. While 240 employees based at the company’s headquarters in Deerfield will move out of state, the company will continue to be a huge part of our state’s manufacturing sector, retaining 17,400 jobs in Illinois, and adding more every day,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We remain committed to partnering with our government leaders to ensure we keep those manufacturing jobs and put in place policies to attract and grow additional employment opportunities for communities across our state.”
* Sen. Darren Bailey is campaigning with Steve Cortes today. Cortes is a former Trump campaign advisor, who, according to Dan McLaughlin at National Review Online, is still “plugged into Trump’s inner circle.” I have no idea about that or whether Cortes is telling the truth, but here’s what he told the Bailey faithful out on the stump today…
So I speak to President Trump very often. I’m speaking to him about this race. And he asked the smart question, he said, ‘Well, is it winnable in the fall? Is it winnable, can we beat, in a state like Illinois, right, that leans blue, is it possible to win?’
I told him, I said, Mr. President, let me tell you about polling and what has happened in the state of Illinois. According to Civiqs Polling, Joe Biden began his term with a positive 23% approval rating in Illinois. 57% approval, 34% disapprove when he took office. Right now, according to Civiqs Polling, updated as of yesterday, he’s at underwater 8. He’s at 41% approve 49% disapprove. In Illinois, a 31-point net implosion in polling for Joe Biden. Now, JB Pritzker’s policies are as bad or even worse than Joe Biden’s.
So that tells me, and this what I told President Trump, that tells me that, yes, Illinois, absolutely is in play. This is a wave election year, and we are going to send Mary Miller back to Washington DC and we’re going to put Darren Bailey in the governor’s office in Springfield.
And while Dick Uihlein has put $17 million behind Bailey’s primary so far, I seriously doubt he’d put nearly as much into the general as Ken Griffin likely will if Richard Irvin does win on June 28th. Also, will the cash-rich Republican Governors Association jump in? Likely only if the national playing field is as great for Republicans as Cortes’ fondest dreams. I also don’t see too many members of the GOP’s downtown donor class eagerly coalescing behind a guy who has heaped so much scorn on Chicago, tried to kick it out of Illinois and saying at one point that his running mate would oversee the city for him.
It’s been seven days since gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin abandoned downstate voters in the final stretch leading up to the primary. One week ago, Irvin stopped running ads outside of the Chicago media market after reportedly admitting he can’t be himself downstate. With just two weeks left until the primary, Irvin’s pulling a hail mary — but voters aren’t buying it.
Not one but two new polls show Irvin down to uber-conservative extremist Darren Bailey by nearly a 2:1 ratio — and with early voting already underway, that’s the nail in the coffin for Richard Irvin’s failed run for governor.
Looks like ducking, dodging, and deflecting on the issues most important to voters doesn’t win them over. Even $50 million from billionaire megadonor Ken Griffin and months of campaigning couldn’t keep Irvin’s sinking campaign afloat.
“With far-right extremist Darren Bailey surging in the polls, the Irvin campaign is grasping at straws to reinvent itself and is ditching downstate voters in the process,” said DGA Illinois Press Secretary Yael Sheinfeld. “We already knew Irvin wasn’t interested in being a governor for all of Illinois. Now, voters know it, too — and they won’t forget at the ballot box.”
On the eve of a historic decision from the U.S. Supreme Court that could alter the future of pro-life laws in America, Mary Miller SKIPPED a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to provide police protection to Supreme Court Justices and their families.This is following an assassination attempt on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
“Once again, Mary Miller sides with AOC and the far-left Socialist Squad, this time on providing police protection to our Supreme Court Justices and their families. Just days ago, a deranged left-wing individual attempted to murder Justice Kavanaugh, but that didn’t stop Mary Miller from skipping a critical vote on keeping our justices safe. Mary Miller is a disgrace and should be ashamed of herself.” - Aaron DeGroot, Davis campaign spokesperson
Congress is in session this week. Instead of showing up to Washington to do the job she was elected to do - vote on legislation - Mary Miller skipped town and opted to campaign in Illinois, causing Miller to miss votes.
One of the votes Miller skipped was on a bill to provide around-the-clock police protection to Supreme Court Justices and their families. Rodney Davis voted Yes. Obviously, Mary Miller chose not to vote.
Just last week, a crazed left-wing individual showed up to the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh with a gun and a knife. The man told police he was there to kill Justice Kavanaugh. He has been charged with attempted murder. Protection of our Supreme Court Justices is vital, especially as we await a decision on the Dobbs abortion case.
Miller even took to Twitter just a few days ago to complain that Democrats have not allowed a vote on the SCOTUS police protection bill:
Tonight, you'll hear from House Democrats about "attacks on our Democracy," but minutes ago they refused to protect Supreme Court justices from violent left-wing terrorists trying to assassinate judges to prevent court decisions they don't like. Shocking hypocrisy from the Left!
As usual, Mary Miller chooses to complain and engage in politics instead of legislate.
* McLean County Democrats…
The McLean County Republicans will have a showing of the film “2000 Mules” at an event Tuesday morning. This “documentary” by Dinesh D’Souza falsely claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. The local Republican organization will then provide training on becoming a poll watcher or election judge.
It is absolutely astonishing that a local political party would actively promote and share blatantly false and widely disproven conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Just like the thoroughly debunked lies regarding the election, this movie has zero credibility. The fact that the McLean County Republicans obviously believe these falsehoods and are indoctrinating their election workers with these lies is alarming.
We are asking our local media to ask all Republican candidates, from Governor to Precinct Committee Person, if they believe that Joe Biden won the 2020 election in a free and fair contest. The voters of McLean County deserve to know if their potential elected officials are capable of rational thought and critical thinking. We’d like to know if local McLean County Republican Leadership and their current elected officials have endorsed this event and agree with the premise of this film.
Most importantly, we’d like to know if the current McLean County Republican County Clerk agrees with her party that election fraud is rampant throughout the country. If so, what are her plans on coping with it here in McLean County?
The January 6th Committee hearings the last few days have provided ample proof of the “Big Lie”. Even the former United States Attorney General, William Barr, called the former President’s claims of election fraud “bullshit”. Not one judge or courtroom has agreed with the allegations made by Trump’s team. Any candidate or elected official who continues to perpetuate these lies is unfit to work in the public interest. The voters of McLean County deserve to know better.
* Chicago FOP faves…
Chicago FOP endorsement list. Alexi Giannoulias is top Dem to get the cop nod pic.twitter.com/yNcpYfwMC6
* Valencia is off the campaign trail after testing positive for COVID-19 …
Democratic candidate for Secretary of State Anna Valencia today issued the following statement after testing positive for COVID-19:
“This morning, I tested positive for COVID-19 using a rapid test at home. I am thankful to have received both doses of the COVID vaccine as well as my booster shot, and I am experiencing mild symptoms. I will continue to isolate and work from home, following CDC guidelines and the advice of my doctor. I look forward to returning to the campaign trail as soon as possible.”
In a phone interview, Kim said the sole function of Global Business Ventures was to link American firms to good international investments. Beyond that, he said he never received “any compensation” from the Saudi government, and that he left Global Business Ventures awhile ago—“maybe a year or two; I don’t remember”—and gave up his “very small” equity interest for free.
However, a 2018 press release from Global Business Ventures paints a somewhat different picture.
The release is about how the firm had received a license for the latest in a series of contracts for work under the 2030 plan—“the first step in a planned multibillion-dollar, mixed-used development that could bring as many as 25,000 housing units and 1 million square feet of commercial space to three sites north of Riyadh,” the Saudi capital. […]
Kim said the referenced deal since has fallen apart and that the press release, like many, was more a “marketing vehicle” than a statement of facts. Kim said he will take steps to “correct” and “update” his law firm’s website listing of his resume.
That whole “Griffin slate” thing has been kind of a mess. Their secretary of state candidate looks to be trailing and Kim is barely keeping up with Tom Freakin’ DeVore. I saw some news report the other day talking about all the money slate members have received, but it’s actually a relative pittance. Johnny Rotten’s question might apply here.
* Rodney Davis…
Conservative Outsider PAC, a DC-based dark money Super PAC that supports Mary Miller, is out with a new false TV ad that lies about Rodney Davis’ record on pro-life issues in Congress.
“Mary Miller and her Super PAC allies know that her campaign is failing, so they’re resorting to lying about my record on pro-life issues. I am pro-life and proud of it. I’ve been endorsed by leading pro-life groups and have received 100 percent and A+ ratings for my pro-life record in Congress. I support legislation to defund Planned Parenthood and have voted to defund Planned Parenthood. I support the Hyde Amendment and have fought to ensure taxpayer dollars don’t fund abortion. These false ads are nothing more than an attempt to hide Miller’s own terrible record.” - Rodney Davis, Republican candidate for Congress in IL-15
The Susan B. Anthony List, one of America’s leading pro-life organizations, has endorsed Rodney for re-election and had this to say about Rodney’s pro-life record in Congress:
“Congressman Rodney Davis is a dedicated public servant and tireless advocate and for the unborn and their mothers in Washington. His leadership as ranking member of the Committee on House Administration is invaluable in stopping pro-abortion Democrats from shutting down our ability to elect pro-life lawmakers in fair, transparent elections. He champions the life-saving Hyde Amendment and is a key ally as we work to keep pro-abortion Democrats from sneaking taxpayer funding of abortion into spending bills. We are grateful for his continued support and voice in Washington.”
Rodney Davis is proudly pro-life. National Right To Life has given Rodney a “100 percent” score, and Susan B. Anthony List has given Rodney an “A+” rating.
* CD1…
State Senator Jacqui Collins Announces Key Endorsements Representing Over 35% of the 1st Congressional District
State Rep. Kelly Burke, State Rep. Justin Slaughter, Ald. Michelle Harris, Ald. Derrick Curtis & Ald. David Moore endorse Jacqui for Congress
CHICAGO - Democratic candidate for the 1st Congressional District, State Senator Jacqui Collins, announced key endorsements today as early voting starts from elected officials representing over 35 percent of voters in the 1st District.
Illinois State Representative Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn), Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago), Ald. Michelle Harris (8th ward, Democratic State Central Committeeperson for the 1st Congressional District), Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th ward), and Ald. David Moore (17th ward) are endorsing Jacqui Collins to be the first woman ever to hold the seat.
“I’m thrilled to have the endorsements of Rep. Burke, Rep. Slaughter, Ald. Harris, Ald. Curtis, and Ald. Moore,” said State Senator Jacqui Collins (D-Chicago). “Together they represent over 35 percent of voters in the 1st Congressional District, and their support goes a long way with constituents who are looking for their next Congressperson to be a champion for justice by fighting for women’s rights, gun reform, healthcare and affordable housing.”
“Jacqui Collins’ history and platform of fighting for justice is what we need right now in Congress,” said Ald. Michelle Harris (8th). “With Republicans on the precipice of succeeding to roll back access to abortions, we need an experienced legislator and unrelenting advocate like Jacqui representing us in D.C.”
* Raja…
Today, the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board wrote, “U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi doesn’t just talk about bipartisanship — he walks the walk. The Schaumburg Democrat reached across the aisle to expand federal support for the country’s career and technical education system. He also worked with Republicans to set aside millions of dollars to lower so-called solar soft costs, the non-hardware costs of going solar, to make it easier to invest in clean energy. And he worked with the GOP on legislation aimed at decreasing e-cigarette use among children and teens. …Krishnamoorthi has gotten our endorsement before, and he both deserves and gets it again.”
This endorsement comes just two weeks before the June 28th primary, and follows a series of prominent endorsements Congressman Raja has received, including by another prominent newspaper, the Daily Herald.
Please spread news of this endorsement to your friends and family and remember to cast your vote for Raja Krishnamoorthi on or before Election Day on June 28th!
* More…
* Seven Republicans hoping to take on ‘formidable’ U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth: Salvi’s campaign appears to have the fund-raising edge with more than $300,000 raised, but $250,000 of that came from Salvi herself, campaign finance records show. Gidwitz, a finance co-chair of the National Republican Senate Committee, has told the Sun-Times he is backing Salvi. Piton is Salvi’s closest fundraising competitor, with $168,510 raised. He kicked in $25,000 of that, though. Salvi, of Mundelein, lost a six-way 2006 GOP primary bid for Congress. Hubbard and Chlebek also sought to challenge U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin two years ago.
More high school students can now receive high school credits from a dual credit program thanks to legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) that was recently signed into law.
House Bill 5506 amends the state’s Dual Credit Quality Act to provide that a partnership agreement between a community college and a school district shall allow high school students who may not meet the community college’s academic eligibility requirement to enroll in their dual credit course to receive high school credits. High schools are required to establish procedures to notify students enrolled in dual credit courses if they are eligible for both college and high school credits or just a high school credit.
“This law will create more opportunities for high school students to gain access to academic courses and credits that were previously unavailable to them,” said Sen. Rezin. “Students interested in courses that are part of a dual credit program will no longer be turned away just because they might not qualify for the college credit for whatever reason, which in turn will hopefully lead to more course offerings.”
The legislation requires school districts and community colleges to annually assess disaggregated data pertaining to the dual credit enrollment, completion, subsequent post-secondary enrollment and performance. Additionally, institutions shall notify its faculty within 15 days of entering or renewing a partnership agreement.
“While expanding academic opportunities for high school students in Illinois, our state will be able to gather additional data on these dual credit programs,” continued Sen. Rezin. “This additional information will help our state ensure that these programs continue to meet our students’ academic needs.”
House Bill 5506 passed out of both chambers without opposition and was signed by the Governor on June 10.
* Sen. Villa…
In partnership with community members and other professionals on her Senior Advisory Committee, State Senator Karina Villa championed a new law to protect the dignity and rights of nursing home residents across Illinois and ensure they are afforded the highest quality of care.
“Many families struggle with the decision to placed loved ones in long-term care facilities,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “With everything that goes into this decision, families shouldn’t also have to worry about abuse or neglect.”
Previously Senate Bill 1633, the new law amends and expands the existing Nursing Home Care Act to offer more comprehensive protection for nursing home residents. In addition to ensuring residents’ rights must be maintained and basic needs are met, the law creates requirements for grievance procedures at nursing facilities, protects residents from being forced to perform unpaid labor and requires information on how to submit complaints be posted publicly and available to residents at request.
Villa’s Senior Advisory Committee played a large role in the development of the legislation, which is modeled off of the Minnesota Patients’ Bill of Rights published by the Minnesota Department of Health. The law also ensures that all rights outlined under the Medical Patient Rights Act, including the right to sound medical care and the right to privacy and confidentiality, apply to residents under the Nursing Home Care Act.
“Families should be able to trust the faculty and staff in nursing homes to provide the absolute best care for their loved ones,” Villa said. “With this law, we hope to give them that peace of mind.”
…Adding… Sen. Simmons…
To allow students in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections the opportunity to continue to earn an education while serving their time, State Senator Mike Simmons passed a law to allow students to attend classes remotely.
“I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Senate for supporting this legislation,” said Simmons (D-Chicago) This removes a systemic barrier for youth in custody who ought to be able to continue their education. We are giving them a better chance of finding employment and thriving when re-entering their communities”
Simmons’ law will create a pilot program to allow remote learning for students of Consuella B. York Alternative High School that are in the custody of the IDOC. If successful, the program could roll out in other alternative schools across Illinois. California currently has programs that allow inmates to work toward their Bachelor’s Degree. Research from the Cal Matters Organization show such programs have contributed to improving opportunities and lowering recidivism rates.
“This is a great step toward shoring up the gaps that exist in serving the needs of those who are incarcerated,” Simmons said. “Doing so will help buttress our overall efforts to lower recidivism rates and increase public safety.”
House Bill 5016 was signed into law and took immediate effect.
Today, the Jonathan Logemann for Congress campaign announced the launch of its first TV ad of the primary for Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. The TV ad, titled “Tackle”, highlights Jonathan’s service to his country and his community–as an Afghanistan Veteran, a National Guardsman, a public high school teacher, and Alderman in Rockford.
The ad also highlights key elements of Jonathan’s platform, including making healthcare more affordable, fighting for the middle class, defending our Democracy, and standing up to Trump Republicans. As a local elected official, Jonathan’s experience tackling day-to-day issues in his community make him uniquely qualified to serve Illinois’ 17th District. Furthermore, his service in the National Guard and his leadership as a public school teacher and coach prepare him to take on issues facing key constituencies, such as our students, parents, veterans, and servicemembers.
The transcript of the ad is as follows:
“I’m Jonathan Logemann.
As a soldier, teacher, coach, alderman, and dad, I’ve taken on some big challenges.
Now, I’m running for Congress to tackle our toughest problems.
And it starts with standing up to Trump Republicans and corporate special interests:
To make healthcare more affordable;
Defend our Democracy;
And rebuild the middle class.
I’m Jonathan Logemann, and I approve this message, because I know we can tackle it all–together.”
Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is out with a broadcast television ad that focuses on her success in guiding Cook County’s health system during her three terms in office.
The ad, entitled “Done,” focuses on the many accomplishments Preckwinkle has gotten done regarding healthcare, including creating CountyCare, Cook County’s Medicaid managed care plan which has expanded healthcare access to over 400,000 residents.
The ad also previews her plans for the next term, which include expanding funding for mental health resources and creating a Department of Mental Health within the Cook County Health system.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in the Cook County health and hospital system during my tenure, especially during the last few years as our system guided residents through the pandemic,” said Preckwinkle. “I have established a proven and responsible record on healthcare management and look forward to continuing to advance and expand affordable, accessible healthcare in my next term.”
The 30-second spot will run today through the June 28 primary on broadcast networks.
Script:
“To see how Toni Preckwinkle will take on big challenges, just look at what she’s done.
Turning around Cook County’s neglected health and hospital system,
Creating CountyCare, expanding healthcare for four hundred thousand,
Strengthening assistance for survivors of domestic violence and assault,
And starting the County’s first Mental Health Service to help better respond to mental health emergencies.
Toni’s taken on tough fights and she’s not done yet.
Toni Preckwinkle, for County Board President.”
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi released a third campaign ad on Tuesday, two weeks prior to the June 28 Democratic primary.
The ad, titled, “Scam Alert,” highlights the conflict of interest for Kaegi’s opponent, Commissioner Steele, and her husband Maze Jackson, a well known lobbyist for property developers.
“There is a better choice. Fritz Kaegi is endorsed by the Democratic Party and is standing up for middle class homeowners not rich landlords,” the ad says.
The ad will air on broadcast and cable television networks beginning Tuesday.
Full script:
Warning! Kari Steele’s campaign for County Assessor is a scam.
Steele’s husband, who is her top campaign adviser, is a paid lobbyist for wealthy downtown landlords.
They’ll get rich after Steele shifts the tax burden back onto middle class families…while she avoids paying her own property taxes by claiming an illegal exemption.
There’s a better choice. Fritz Kaegi is endorsed by the Democratic Party and is standing up for middle class homeowners—not rich landlords.
The Kaegi ad is a lie. A complete fabrication. Period.
A property on S. Chappel Avenue in Chicago is currently owned by Kari Steele’s mother, Christine Steele. Her mother, who also owns a property in Texas, claims a homestead exemption on this property.
Kari Steele’s name is on the property tax bill to ensure she receives the bill and is able to make sure it gets paid by her mother, as her mother is often out of town. She does not own, or have any ownership stake in the Chappel property. All ongoing expenses related to the property are maintained by her mother, including the property tax.
Kaegi is as incompetent as a candidate as he is as the incumbent Assessor.
Steele’s lawyers will soon have word with Kaegi’s campaign.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Crain’s covered this back in May…
“Our initial findings appear to show the property does not qualify for a homeowner’s exemption, as public records indicate both Kari and Christine Steele list primary residences elsewhere,” Assessor spokesman Scott Smith tells Crain’s in an email.
Kari Steele’s permanent residence is on Madison Street and her mother is receiving a homeowners’ exemption (and is registered to vote) in Texas. The exemption is only supposed to be applied to an owners’ primary residence. “These facts would make the property ineligible for a homeowner’s exemption,” Smith says.
Steele’s camp says her mother is a snowbird who lives part-time in Texas. Kari Steele lived at Chappel until 2016 and only receives the bill so her mother doesn’t miss it while she’s away.
The home has received the tax break since 2006. Kaegi’s office will reach out “to request proof of residency in Cook County.” Christine Steele could be billed for the past four years—roughly $2,800—if she can’t prove Chappel is her primary home.
— JUICE: Gov. JB Pritzker just gave $55,000 to Patrick Hynes in his bid for Lyons Township assessor. Hynes is a nephew of the late Cook County Assessor Tom Hynes and cousin to Dan Hynes, who was charged by Pritzker with finding candidates to run for the Democratic State Central Committee.
Call me crazy, but I kinda doubt the governor wants to boost Patrick Hynes’ township assessor campaign with a $55,000 check.
Patrick Hynes is also running in a three-way race for the Democratic State Central Committee against incumbent Patrick Watson and Chris Donahue.
* Another beneficiary of Pritzker cash is Rep. Natalie Manley, who is running for central committee against DPI incumbent Christine Benson. Benson was a Robin Kelly supporter during the fight over party chair and is expected to vote for her again.
But take a look at who Benson featured twice in her mailer…
* Hynes and Manley are two of five candidates whom Pritzker is supporting for central committee: Melinda Bush (vs. incumbent Lauren Beth Gash); Liz Brown-Reeves (vs. Bill Houlihan’s candidate Katherine Daniels) and Rep. Margaret Croke (vs. incumbent Nancy Shepherdson and Mariyana Spyropoulos). He’s supporting Sen. Omar Aquino as well, but Aquino got the usual $5,000 legislative incumbent with a primary check. That’s not about the central committee race.
* I don’t have much to say about this topic except let’s hope that the Casten family can eventually find peace. They rightly asked for privacy and I think they should be given some space.
Over the weekend, Pritzker stumps for out-of-state Democrats with a New Hampshire stop sparking more speculation about a presidential bid at some point.
Pritzker – who faces no rival in the June 28 Democratic Illinois primary for governor - is taking his first swing this campaign cycle to other states.
With a leaked Supreme Court opinion seeming to indicate the court is poised to strip women of their current abortion rights, Pritzker, who is making his support for abortion rights a centerpiece of his bid for a second term, is focusing on electing Democratic governors, given his belief that Democratic governors in the post-Roe era are the last line of defense to defend abortion rights.
In Maine, Pritzker will campaign for Gov. Janet Mills. In New Hampshire, Pritzker will boost the re-election campaigns of Sen. Maggie Hassan and Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas and the bid for governor from Tom Sherman, a physician who is a state senator.
“I am thrilled to join Democrats in the Granite State for their annual state convention and look forward to addressing their members ahead of one of the most critical midterm elections of our lifetimes,” Pritzker said. “I’m proud to be supporting pro-choice candidates like Maggie Hassan and the next governor of New Hampshire, Dr. Tom Sherman, as well as Annie Kuster, Chris Pappas, and state and local candidates from the North Country to the Seacoast.”
The NHDP convention is set for Saturday, June 18th, which follows closely on the heels of the 2022 McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner in downtown Manchester Friday night.
“We’re thrilled to have Governor Pritzker heading to the Granite State for this momentous occasion, and are so thankful for his continued support in electing Democrats all over New Hampshire this election cycle,” said NHDP Chair Ray Buckley. “This year, we need all hands on deck to elect Democrats who are going to protect reproductive health care, public education, and fight to lower costs for Granite Staters.”
A source close to the Democratic governor said he is speaking in New Hampshire in response to an invitation. That source said he is not trying to send a message about running for another job but conceded, “People will view it that way.”
The day before his New Hampshire speech, Pritzker will be in Washington, D.C., meeting with senior Democratic officials as part of his campaign to lure the Democratic National Convention to Chicago in the summer of 2024.
I have usually dismissed the notion that Pritzker is gearing up to run nationwide. But I watched him speak at a smallish pro-choice event in Chicago’s West Loop a few weeks ago and he had a very different vibe about him. I walked away thinking he could very well be considering it. His people say that’s because this issue is so important to him. It was his venerated late mom’s top issue, they note, but he’s also committed to electing Democratic governors in the face of the upcoming Supreme Court decision.
So, I suppose we’ll see. A whole lot of dominoes have to fall just exactly right for there to even be an opening in 2024. Being the right person, at the right place at the right time is all-important in this business. If nothing else, Barack Obama taught us that. He also taught us that money isn’t necessarily the most important thing when running for POTUS.
Anyway, I still don’t see it, but whatevs. Not pushing back like I did before. But, please, spare us the silly theories like you’re some John Kass repeatedly claiming Mike Madigan wanted nothing more than to make his daughter Lisa the governor. I already deleted one of those over the top thumbsuckers this morning. It’s tiresome.
